Spotlight on Saudi Arabia in exhibition of contemporary prints, London

Edge of Arabia – Editions#1, a new exhibition of prints, photography and other contemporary paper-based works by Middle Eastern and North African artists, is now showing in Battersea, London until 8 February 2014.

Edge of Arabia focused on contemporary culture from Saudi Arabia

Edge of Arabia [EOA] is an independent social enterprise focused on the arts and culture of Saudi Arabia, dedicated to introducing Arab art to new audiences and “…improving understanding through a variety of platforms including exhibitions, publications and education programs …” 

Edge of Arabia started in 2010 to produce a number of special Projects, known as “Editions”, in which artists from Middle East and North Africa develop portfolios of print-based works in collaboration with major print-houses in Europe and the UK. The artwork produced is exhibited in cities such as London, New York and Dubai and is also available for sale, which creates revenue for the artists, galleries and future Edge of Arabia projects.

The current exhibition in Battersea, Edge of Arabia: Editions#1 displays dozens of tightly-grouped framed works on paper and as such, there’s a lot of competing imagery in a relatively small space. (Given the focus of this exhibition is to sell art, it’s not exactly a criticism that visitors may find it’s more Westfield than White Cube in presentation, making it a bit difficult to focus on any one piece). However, I don’t gather the intention is for viewers to really reflect on what they experience here but rather to get a small taste of contemporary Saudi Arabian culture. And maybe he or she will be tempted to become a collector of work from this intriguing corner of the art world.

More information and links

• Read more about Edge of Arabia – Editions projects
• View/download exhibition guide: Abdulnasser Gharem (8 October – 8 November 2013)
• Publication Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – ed. Fady Jameel et al. 300 pages. “…sheds new light on the thriving arts scene in Saudi Arabia … [and] leading contemporary artists, whose courage and originality have opened a rare window into one of the world’s most fascinating cultures. “

Exhibition details: Visitors can see Edge of Arabia: Edition#1 from 7 January 2014 through 8 February 2014, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, located at 40 Elcho Street, London, SW11 4AU. Free admission.