Contemporary Art from Saudi Arabia in Houston and Aspen

Following the success of Parallel Kingdom, Gharem Studio and Culturunners, in collaboration with Gonzo Gallery and The Open Mind Project have opened the major exhibition: Gonzo Arabia: Contemporary Art from Saudi Arabia, in the legendary Boogie’s building in the heart of downtown Aspen. Gonzo Arabia is realised through support from The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, and presents a cross-generational survey of contemporary art from the Kingdom, providing insights into the Saudi culture through the creativity and vision of some the most influential Saudi artists of their generation.

In the spirit of the late, Colorado based journalist, Hunter S. Thompson — pioneer of Gonzo journalism and champion of truth over fact — the participating Saudi artists have embedded themselves within their societies and harnessed the potential of art as a cultural commentary, satire and social critique; through Gonzo-style performances and storytelling, they will now share these experiences with audiences in Aspen.

Founder of Gharem Studio, Abdulnasser Gharem, comments: “The artists in Gonzo Arabia present a new intellectual paradigm that utilizes unique concepts and terminology to define the artists’ role within society. Rather than analyzing art and society separately, the artists confront art as a reflection of society, positioning themselves as its mirrors.”

The show will be open until September 1st, 2016.