Christie’s recently announced the inauguration of the first mid-career retrospective dedicated to one of the most influential Arab contemporary artists of the 21st century.

Titled “Ahmed Mater: Chronicles”, this remarkable exhibition is set to captivate art enthusiasts at Christie’s headquarters nestled in the heart of St. James’s, London, from 17th July to 22nd August. Under the curation of Dr Ridha Moumni, Chairman of Christie’s Middle East and Africa, the showcase is meticulously organized thematically, offering a profound exploration of TAKREEM Foundation 2018 Cultural Excellence Laureate Ahmed Mater’s, illustrious career trajectory, from his early artistic endeavors to his latest ventures. The exhibition promises a comprehensive journey through Mater’s artistic evolution, spanning his pioneering experiments during medical school, his formative years in the Al-Meftaha Arts Village, and his significant contributions to the enrichment of Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene through initiatives like Edge of Arabia. It will shed light on Mater’s diverse oeuvre, which encompasses photography, videos, paintings, sculptures, and installations, reflecting his unique visual interpretations of the societal and spiritual metamorphoses within Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab World. Central to “Ahmed Mater: Chronicles” are the seminal works that have defined Mater’s artistic legacy. From early-career abstract paintings to the acclaimed Illumination series and the celebrated Desert of Pharan project, the exhibition will offer a comprehensive retrospective of Mater’s creative prowess. Moreover, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to witness Mater’s latest masterpiece, “Magnetism Book”, unveiled for the first time at Christie’s, further enriching the artistic narrative. Thematically, the artworks featured in the exhibition delve into profound themes of mutation, modernization, land, and faith, offering viewers a glimpse into Mater’s introspective exploration of societal dynamics and cultural identities. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, Mater’s creations serve as poignant reflections on the intricate tapestry of Saudi Arabia’s social and cultural landscape. Commenting on the significance of the exhibition, Dr Ridha Moumni, Chairman of Christie’s Middle East and Africa, expresses, ‘It is an extraordinary privilege to present an odyssey into Ahmed Mater’s visionary practice, the first mid-career retrospective dedicated to one of the leading cultural voices of the Middle East. Mater’s captivating journey invites us to rethink urban and natural environments, unearth hidden histories, envision potential futures and ponder profound beliefs. His artistic responses to the swift transformations within Saudi Arabia’s complex social and cultural context invite us to discover fascinating narratives of an evolving land and reflect on its multifaceted identity.’ Ahmed Mater himself shares his sentiments, stating, ‘It is a great honor to present my artistic journey at Christie’s historic headquarters in London this summer. It is especially poignant for me to exhibit in London almost 20 years after the first presentation of my work outside Saudi Arabia at the British Museum, in 2005. I am thrilled with the opportunity to reconnect with the city and its dynamic art community through this immersive and comprehensive exhibition of my practice. I have been witnessing Christie’s dedication over the years to promote art from the region and it is a distinction to be aligned in this respect, and build an educational and cross-cultural dialogue.’ As viewers journey through Mater’s captivating works, they are invited to contemplate themes of mutation, modernization, land, and faith, gaining insight into the complex societal dynamics of Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab World. By opening its doors to audiences in London, Christie’s continues its tradition of promoting cultural exchange and artistic discourse, ensuring that Mater’s profound artistic journey resonates with audiences worldwide.

For the full article: https://www.salonprivemag.com/ahmed-mater-masterpieces-unveiled/