Edge of Arabia Exhibition Debuts at Katara Gallery

Doha, February 22 (QNA) - The Katara Gallery has announced an exclusive partnership with Edge of Arabia Projects to showcase an exhibition entitled, Bending History. The first of its kind exhibition will open at 7.00pm on Thursday 8th March and run until Sunday 8th April 2012 at Katara Gallery, Building 19. Bringing together famous artists from the Arab world, Abdulnasser Gharem, Ahmed Mater, Sara Al-Abdali, and Saeed Salem will exhibit their artwork at this exclusive exhibition. The four talented Saudi artists will express the hopes and fears of a new generation in an era of great turmoil and transformation in twelve iconic pieces of artworks. Commenting on the exhibition, Sidonio Costa, Artistic Director and Head Curator of Katara Art Centre said: "Edge of Arabia is a contemporary art movement which I am delighted to present to the art lovers of Doha. The works portray the voice of the new generation, expressing themselves through powerful art. The exhibition is a testimonial of Katara s mission to cultivate an artistic community whilst building cultural bridges." Known for his Message/Messenger installation which sold for a record price at an auction in Dubai, Abdulnasser Gharem became the highest selling living artist in the Gulf. Gharem will present a selection of his signature stamp paintings, such as Men at Work, No Exit and The Stamp which is inscribed with the phrase Have a bit of Commitment: Inshallah. "It is often assumed the divisions in Saudi Arabia are religious or political" says Abdulnasser Gharem, "but they are really between the old and the new. I think after the Arab spring a lot of people in Saudi have realised it’s time for the next generation to move up challenging our past, reclaiming our future, and bending history. " Known as one of Saudi s first street artists Sara Al-Abdali will present her work Makkah Street Sign, which represents a sign pointing to Makkah s skyline overlooking a barely visible Kaa ba. Artist Saeed Salem will show his work Neonland, an iconic symbol of Jeddah and a futuristic "ball of consumer energy" as described by the artist. (QNA)