We love local art, so are thrilled to see that Riyadh is welcoming a new art gallery. Lakum Artspace will be opening in the capital in December and promises to showcase young as well as established artists in Saudi Arabia.
For its inaugural exhibition, Lakum Artspace will be welcoming the Saudi artist Ahmed Mater. The exhibition is titled Prognosis and depicts 40 years of history, from 1979 to 2019, that covers Ahmed’s personal life. Not only does he draw inspiration from his upcoming book, but events that have happened in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia.
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Lakum Artspace will open on December 8, and will also host the launch of Ahmed Mater’s book, which will be available exclusively at its shop.
The exhibition’s curator, Sara Raza, says “With a solid footing in both the medical and art world, Mater has developed a highly respected research-based art practice that combines scientific forensic techniques alongside conceptual fine art tropes to poetically address the changing political and social landscape of the Kingdom.”
Ahmed Mater was the first artist appointed by the Saudi Government in 2013 to document the Holy City of Makkah. He says: “After years of research, exploration and investigation, this exhibition is a culmination of forty years of history which hold a special place in my heart and art career. I hope that viewers take in the individuality of each work, but also appreciate the overarching essence through its message.”
Lakum Artspace’s cultural practitioner and facilitator, Neama Al- Sudairi, is behind the push to nurture creatives in Saudi Arabia. The space also allows budding artists to build their network, exhibit pieces in the gallery and inspire one another.
From December 8. 3685 Al Urubah Branch Road, instagram.com/lakumartspace (920 012 083).
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