Art & Identity in the Land of the Prophet

Edge of Arabia. Art & Identity in the Land of the Prophet

The Brunei Gallery (SOAS). London

11 July – 22 September 2007

Through the work of ten contemporary artists this exhibition explores the individual’s voice on the Edge of Arabia. The work focuses on the different ways artists are expressing their values and beliefs in a climate of change.

Edge of Arabia will be the first UK exhibition dedicated solely to Saudi Arabia’s leading contemporary artists.

Through the work of ten male and female artists this exhibition explores the individual’s voice in 21st century Saudi Arabia. The work focuses on the different ways artists are expressing their individual values and beliefs in a climate of change.

Edge of Arabia will be curated by Stephen Stapleton (UK) and Ahmed Mater Al Ziad Aseeri (KSA). Stephen and Ahmed met in southern Saudi Arabia in 2003 while working on the Offscreen project. Last year, Stephen was the driving force behind Ahmed’s inclusion in the British Museum’s groundbreaking Word into Art, Artists from the Modern Middle East exhibition. Stephen Stapleton, founder and director of the Offscreen Education Programme, is also a leading promoter of Saudi Arabian contemporary art in the UK.

Edge of Arabia will feature works by leading artists including Ahmed Mater Al-Ziad Aseeri (Abha, KSA), Abdulaziz Ashour (Jeddah, KSA), Manal Al-Dowayan (Dhahran), Yosef Jafa (Maccah, KSA), Khalid Yosef (Maccah, KSA), Ayman Yosry Daydban (Jeddah, KSA) and Lulwah Al-Homoud (Riyadh, KSA).

For more information please contact Stephen Stapleton on stephen@offscreened.com.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 – 17:00 (Closed Sundays & Mondays)

Admission: free

The Brunei Gallery (SOAS)

University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7898 4915

Recorded Information: +44 (0)20 7898 4046

e-mail: gallery@soas.ac.uk