Jeddah: Art Jameel, an organisation supporting artists and creative communities, announces the opening of a major new group exhibition titled 'At the Edge of Land’ (on view through to April 16, 2024). The exhibition investigates the intricate and often concealed relationships between landscapes and trade and their interconnected geographies, resources and commodities. Through stories that trace trade routes to and from Jeddah, ‘At the Edge of Land’ draws parallels between the movement of goods and people, crossing lands, canals and rivers. The two-floor Hayy Arts exhibition brings together new commissions, loans and critical, key works from the Art Jameel Collection by international artists showing in Saudi Arabia for the first time. 

The selection of artists and artworks presented here traces the trade routes on which Jeddah is located – the busy maritime path connecting East Asia and Europe via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Artists include: Jananne Al-Ani, Iosu Aramburu, Au Sow Yee, Chihoi, Bady Dalloul, Aref El Rayess, Tarek Al Ghoussein, Daniele Genadry, Ho Rui An, Hiwa K, Ranjit Kandalgaonkar, Lala Rukh, Hira Nabi, Sarker Protick, Sim Chi Yin, Joar Songcuya, You Khin and Zarina.

This exhibition illustrates one of Art Jameel’s long-standing commitments to producing robust programmes of international caliber that speak to relevant and local thematics. Through multimedia works, photojournalism, installation, and works on canvas, ‘At the Edge of Land’ invites audiences to explore the nexus of commerce and nature, going back and forth between land and sea to tell stories of erosion and extraction. It challenges ideas of emptiness and development, shedding light on the regions and people on the margins of trade routes.

Nora Razian, Deputy Director and Head of Exhibitions and Programmes, Art Jameel, said: 'This exhibition at Hayy Arts is part of a broad, long-term interest in the particular position of port cities, including Jeddah, as rich spaces of exchange across history. Through bringing together artists from the world over, we look at the ways in which the trade routes to, from and through the city have given rise to a particular heritage, made tangible through architecture, art and culture. At Hayy Arts we explore these connections through our exhibitions and public programme, and our recent Curatorial Open Call dedicated to building knowledge around the Red Sea. Within the exhibition 'At the Edge of Land' bringing together many artists exhibiting for the first time in Saudi, we aim to further our mandate in creating spaces for learning and exchange, and to contribute to the rich tapestry of contemporary art in the Kingdom.”

‘At the Edge of Land' is curated by Art Jameel curator Lucas Morin and is accompanied by a robust programme of talks, children’s workshops at Hayy Explorers and screenings at Hayy Cinema. The six-month exhibition is on view from November 16, 2023, to April 13, 2024. Entrance is free; all are welcome.