Ahmed Mater, Artificial Light, Desert of Pharan (2012)© Ahmed Mater
From the Middle East to east London, Edge of Arabia – an indie arts collective with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia – presents 25 established and emerging artists alongside an education programme aiming to engage the local community.
Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco and Pakistan are among the countries represented at the enormous Truman Brewery warehouse, with an emphasis on large-scale works such as Ahmed Maher’s glowing Artificial Light/Desert of Pharan.
The title is a reference to the social networking channels which have changed the way power and individual voices are expressed in the modern Arab world. And internet-based installations, film footage and a library are all part of the show.
Stephen Stapleton, the group’s founder and director, says their most ambitious exhibition to date aims to “inspire a conversation” through the creativity of the “extraordinary and inspiring” artists taking part.
- The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London. Open 11am-6pm (9pm Thursday). Admission free. Follow Edge of Arabia on Twiiter @edgeofarabia.
Watch Edge of Arabia's introduction to Artificial Light/Desert of Pharan:
