Abdulnasser Gharem

Biography

The work of conceptual artist Abdulnasser Gharem encompasses photography, video, performance and sculpture. Engaging with contemporary social and political issues, Gharem often challenges traditional art practices, particularly in his approach to performance art, but his work also reflects his respect for the artistic traditions of his native Saudi Arabia.

Gharem’s work has been exhibited regionally and internationally at such institutions as the Sharjah Art Foundation, UAE (2016); Asia House, London (2015); Victoria and Albert Museum, London (2012); Edge of Arabia, London (2012); Mori Art Museum, Tokyo (2012); British Museum, London (2012); 54th Venice Biennale (2011); Sharjah Biennial 8 (2007) and the King Fahd Art Village, Abha, Saudi Arabia (2006). His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Abdul Latif Jameel Foundation, Jeddah; Basma Al Sulaiman Museum of Contemporary Art, Jeddah and Green Box Museum of Contemporary Art from Saudi Arabia, Amsterdam, among others.

Gharem graduated from the King Abdulaziz Academy, Riyadh (1992) and later attended the Leader Institute, Riyadh. He also studied at Al Meftaha Arts Village, Abha, Saudi Arabia (2003). Gharem was active in establishing the non-profit arts organisation Edge of Arabia, and he continues to nurture and promote the artistic talents of young Saudi artists in his studio in Riyadh and in international exhibitions. His first monograph, Abdulnasser Gharem: Art of Survival, was published in 2011.

Born in 1973 in the Saudi Arabian city of Khamis Mushait, he currently lives and works in Riyadh.

This person was part of Sharjah Biennial 8.