Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia explores the extraordinary contemporary arts culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With contributions from art historians, curators, gallerists, collectors and patrons, the book centres around a group of groundbreaking and relatively unknown artists practising at the centre of the Islamic world.
“Since 2003 a new movement of Saudi contemporary art has arrived. This artistic movement is one of the most dynamic, authentic and challenging to have emerged anywhere in the Middle East in the early 21st century, and we are proud to be a part of it.”
Stephen Stapleton, Director, Edge of Arabia
Work by Ahmed Mater features alongside eleven other artists: Shadi & Raja Alem, Hala Ali, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Manal Al Dowayan, Abdulnasser Gharem, Maha Malluh, Faisal Samra, Jowhara Al Saud, Noha Al Sharif, and Sami Al Turki.
Besides showing the work of 12 artists, the book also documents milestone Edge of Arabia exhibitions in London, Venice, Berlin, Istanbul, Dubai, and Jeddah, with the initiative’s home-coming to Saudi Arabia in January 2012.
Supported by Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI) and Abraaj Capital, "Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" is an inspiring window into contemporary life of a Kingdom in transition.