DUBAI: Saudi Arabia's contemporary art scene is to get a monumental boost later this month when a volume on the subject is to be published. The independent art initiative Edge of Arabia announced this week that they are publishing a book on contemporary Saudi art at Art Dubai on March 22. “Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” is a lavishly illustrated book which explores the extraordinary contemporary arts culture of the Kingdom. With contributions from art historians, curators, gallerists, collectors and patrons, the book centers around a group of groundbreaking and relatively unknown artists practicing at the center of the Islamic world,” a statement from Edge of Arabia said. It comes as Saudi art has seen an upsurge in production and attention in recent years, and more so since the “Arab Spring” galvanized interest in the region. “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,” said Stephen Stapleton, Director at Edge of Arabia, in a statement. The featured artists include Shadi and Raja Alem, Hala Ali, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Manal Al Dowayan, Abdulnasser Gharem, Maha Malluh, Ahmed Mater, Faisal Samra, Jowhara Al Saud, Noha Al Sharif, and Sami Al Turki. Besides showing the work of those 12 artists, the book also documents milestone exhibitions in London, Venice, Berlin, Istanbul, Dubai, and the initiative's very recent homecoming to Jeddah in January 2012. Supported by Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI) and Abraaj Capital, the book has been said to be “an inspiring window into contemporary life of a Kingdom in transition.” “The Jameel family is especially proud to be supporting this publication, which will bring Saudi contemporary art to the attention of a wider audience than ever before. By sharing the work and stories of this group of artists, we are enabling greater international understanding, and also increased cultural activity within the Kingdom,” said Fady Jameel, in a statement emailed to Bikyamasr.com. ALJCI has partnered with Edge of Arabia since its inception. “It is committed to contributing to a platform that supports and enhances the work of both Saudi men and women into the international arena,” Jameel added. “The initiative of Edge of Arabia, through its exposure of Saudi artists in international exhibitions and most recently in Jeddah, beautifully documented in this ambitious publication, reflects our philosophy at Abraaj Capital, to empower the potential of artists from the Middle East, North and South Africa through the Abraaj Capital Art Prize. We are delighted to be involved,” said Frederic Sicre, Partner at Abraaj Capital. “Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” is published internationally by Booth-Clibborn Editions and produced by Edge of Arabia. Other books in this series include Ahmed Mater (2010) and Abdulnasser Gharem: Art of Survival (2011). BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/T1OcZ Tags: Art, Art Dubai, Book, Contemporary Section: Art, Editor's choice, Entertainment, Latest News, Saudi Arabia
