Brunei Gallery – School of African and Eastern Studies, London, UK
Curated by
Stephen Stapleton
Lulwah Al-Homoud
Ahmed Mater
Partners
Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd
Almoghtarra Agricultural Co.
Saudi Plastic Factory
Mbi Al Jaber Foundation
Bellucci Jewelry
Canvas Magazine
Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture & Information
Royal Embassy Of Saudi Arabia
Al Mansouria Foundation
British Council
Athr Gallery
JA Clark Charitable Trust
Ahmed co-curated and featured in the first Edge of Arabia exhibition in London, which also marked the launch of the initiative. The exhibition showcasing the work of 17 artists from Jeddah, Makkah, Riyadh, Dharan, Abha and Khamis Mushait.
Curated by Stephen Stapleton, Lulwah Al-Homoud and Ahmed Mater, the exhibition explored the complex and diverse reality of 21st Century life in Saudi Arabia, combining installation, performance and a variety of other media with a multi-disciplinary approach to artistic practice. It developed cultural links between Saudi Arabia and the international community, helping to further cultural dialogue between the Middle East and the Western world.
The exhibition was accompanied by a wide range of educational materials aiming to support UK students and teachers when exploring contemporary Saudi art in the classroom and beyond.
There is no doubt that 'Edge of Arabia’ is a fantastic opportunity for myself and the other participating artists. I would like to thank all the other artists, curators and sponsors for supporting each other and through this project, learning to speak with the same voice.
‘Edge of Arabia’ is not just a one-off art exhibition but a landmark event in the history of Saudi art. As a young Saudi artist, I want to be part of a creative movement which will inspire a new generation and give them something to aspire to. In particular, what I like about ‘Edge of Arabia’ is that it takes the challenge as opposed to just speaking about the necessity or urgency of doing so. Now it is ‘Edge of Arabia’s’ job to communicate with the world in a positive way, and above all to illuminate.
