Top 5 Saudi Artists
Art in Saudi has started in the recent decades. Before, there were no galleries and exhibitions, but things have changed. Saudi artists have started their activities to express themselves and deliver their messages to the society. Here are 10 of its most exciting and pioneering artists and where to see their work.
- Ahmed Mater
He is one of the co-founders of Edge of Arabia and a pioneer who worked on several artistic projects, like: al-Meftaha Arts Village, Yellow Cow project, Evolution of Man, and etc. See Mater’s work at the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar.
- Manal AlDowayan
She has participated in forming the contemporary photographers and installation artists in Saudi Arabia. Her highlighted projects are Soft Power exhibition of contemporary female artists, her photographs If I Forget You Don’t Forget Me, I AM series, the sensational installation Esmi, and more.
- Abdulnasser Gharem
He is a co-founder of Edge of Arabia, and he has the highest sale of any Gulf artist by his sculpture Message/Messenger. See Gharem’s work at the Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah, UAE.
- Sarah Abu Abdallah
She is one of the youngest artists who came in the field of art and discussed many topics that considered as a taboo in the nation. Most of her work has examined gender in Saudi culture. See Abdallah’s work at the Alaan Artspace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Shadia and Raja Alem
The Alem sisters, easily the most enduring pairing in Saudi art, have spent their parallel careers exploring their lifelong bond. In 2011, they were honored as the first ever artists to represent Saudi Arabia at the Venice Biennale. See the Alem’s works at the Salsali Private Art Museum, Dubai, UAE.
