We Need to Talk: Contemporary art show in Saudi Arabia, the birth of a new movement?

The exhibition “We Need to Talk”  has been received by critics and collectors as a sign of the shifting acceptance, representing “the birth of something new”  the works are reflective of contemporary Saudi society, provocative and direct.

Organised by Edge of Arabia an independent arts initiative and curated by Mohammed Hafiz and founder Stephen Stapleton. The exhibition opened on 19th January 2012 and took place at the Al Furusia Marina, a magnificent new development on the Jeddah Corniche overlooking the Red Sea.

The exhibition comprises of sculpture, installation and film, featuring over 40 new works by Saudi’s emerging contemporary artists, almost half of them women. Abdulnasser Gharem,Adwa AlMubarak, Ahaad Alamoudi, Ahmed Angawi, Ahmed Mater, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Effat Fadaag, Eyad Maghazel, Hala Ali, Hamza Serafi, Ibrahim Abumsmar, Jowhara AlSaud, Maha Malluh, Manal Al-Dowayan, Mohammed Al Ghamdi, Nasser Al-Salem, Noha Al-Sharif, Saddek Wasil, Saeed Salem, Sami Al-Turki, Sara Al-Abdali and Sarah Abu Abdullah.

“It feels like a movement,” said London dealer James Lindon, visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time. “There’s extraordinary solidarity between the artists and a desire to push things forward in an interesting way. I’m incredibly impressed by the quality of the work.”

The fact that the exhibition has happened and been covered so  extensively within Saudi media is a sign of the changing times and growing acceptance of art within Saudi Arabia. The exhibition represents a new outlet for communication, one that is uncensored and independent from state-run services.

Curator Mohammed A. Hafiz says: “This exhibition will be a true homecoming for Edge of Arabia and is geared towards encouraging constructive discussion and dialogue between Saudi contemporary artists and the local community. All participating artists will react to our title ‘We Need to Talk’ within three categories: the Past, the Present, and the Future. This is a great opportunity for us all to think about how we can positively shape and influence the world around us.”

To read more visit: http://www.edgeofarabia.com

Or to go directly to the artists pages: http://www.edgeofarabia.com/artists