Launch of Lakum Artspace in December enhances the Saudi Art scene

Artspace will be inaugurated with the solo show by Ahmed Mater

As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic and events start to fill up cultural calendars, the most recent addition to the Saudi art scene is in the form of Lakum Artspace â€“ a multidisciplinary creative centre. Set to launch in December, Lakum, the brainchild of cultural practitioner and facilitator Neama Al-Sudairi, is dedicated to nurturing emerging and established artists and designers from Saudi Arabia, the greater Middle East and globally. In addition, it will provide opportunities for exhibition, networking and business, and organising education programs for the general public. Inaugurating the space will be the first solo show by Saudi artist Ahmed Mater in Riyadh, and will be on for two months.

L-R. Neama Al-Sudairi / Sara-Reza (photo by Mr Ayobe) / Ahmed-Mater / Courtesy of Lakum Artspace

Speaking about this new endeavour, Al-Sudairi commented: "I am delighted to be part of the ever-growing arts movement here in the Middle East, and especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where there is such creative talent, unique platforms and technological insight which can be seen through galleries, institutions and artists, that are now recognised around the world. The effects of lockdowns and closed borders haven't impacted the country, which we have seen with recent events this year, including the 21,39 Jeddah art fair, BrickLab's Saudi Modern, the upcoming MISK art week, and the first-ever Biennale in December, which is sure to continue to draw in visitors and interest."

The launch of Lakum Artspace will present a multifunctional contemporary gallery. Designed with the community in mind, it develops engaging, approachable, and supportive platforms for professionals and enthusiasts to learn, communicate and create dialogue surrounding the true nature of art and design. "More than just an art space, Lakum is one of its kind in Saudi Arabia to exist as a multifunctional hub that creatively compliments the current art scene in the country", says Al-Sudairi. It consists of a spacious gallery, a library, a conceptual shop, and a smart cafÃ© allowing for a nurturing and tech-savvy environment to work in or enjoy the available resources.

Lakum Artspace, interior / Courtesy of Lakum Artspace

Lakum builds on from Al-Sudairi's previous role as the founding director of AlÄan (2012-2017), the first exclusive concept space in Riyadh dedicated to contemporary visual culture, learning, retail, and fine dining. AlÄan hosted several pioneering exhibitions and public programs in the country. Including the exhibition 'Soft Power' featuring leading female Saudi artists: Manal Al Dowayan, Sarah Abu Abdallah and Sarah Mohanna Al-Abdali, curated by former Guggenheim Museum curator Sara Raza. They also hosted key projects with global institutions, including Vitra, Art Dubai, Edge of Arabia, and co-founder Ahmed Mater.

A key mission within Lakum's ethos is promoting and supporting local art for the community, celebrating local artists and highlighting Saudi talent on a global platform. Stemming from this and previous successful collaborations, Lakum's first exhibition will be by Saudi artist Ahmed Mater, curated by Sara Raza. As his first solo exhibition in Riyadh, Prognosis will draw inspiration from his forthcoming book, launched and available at the Lakum store, which explores a personal biography alongside historical events in the Kingdom and the greater Middle East spanning 40 years from 1979- 2019. In addition, the show brings together a new body of work, including architecture, drawing, film/video, painting, and social media, where Mater intertwines the analogue and the digital to craft a unique artistic narrative.

Saudi artist Ahmed Mater at work / Courtesy of Lakum Artspace and the artist

Lakum Artspace will open to the public at the beginning of December, during the highly anticipated event filled art month, with more details to be released soon.