Gharem Studio is a non-pro t arts organisation dedicated to encouraging individual thought and self-expression with artists across the Muslim world. Founded in 2010, the studio offers residencies within a purpose built studio in Riyadh, as well as art education, career guidance, resources, equipment, promotion and opportunities for exhibitions both in the Middle East and the rest of the world. To date, the studio has staged exhibitions at the US ambassador’s residence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as working closely with the British Council on a series of workshops with Professor David Rayson, Head of Painting at the Royal College of Art, London. Artist Abdulnasser Gharem moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2013 in an attempt to broaden his professional resources, and established Gharem Studio in the process. Due to the lack of proper studios for artists in the city of Riyadh, Gharem Studio began as a working space for artist Abdulnasser Gharem. The space attracted fellow artists, photographers and creative minds, who proved to be the rst wave of a new Saudi art initiative.

courtesy of Gharem Studio

“Gharem Studio is not only a space for the artist’s personal production, but also home to a new art initiative. “These kind of spaces are very important. We are trying to create a dialogue and platform, and also be an incubator” ”

 

 

Operating as an alternative space for people to meet each other, Gharem Studio’s main goal is to cultivate natural and organic growth in the local art community, without any outside influence. Gharem Studio has, thus, adopted an inclusive attitude. “I want this space to act as a guide for everyone who utilizes it to [be able to] come up with ideas and initiatives, [and for it to be] a place where people can be natural,” said Gharem. “When I was younger I suffered from what I call being ’a double dealer,’ where in front of society you are a certain person and behind closed doors you are someone else. [With Gharem Studio] I’m trying to create a holistic environment. I might have made mistakes in the past, but I want the next generation of artists to learn from me,” he added.

 

The studio was created from Gharem’s desire to take advantage of living in a contemporary society and address issues that arise from living in such circumstances. According to the artist, people need a place to freely do what they love, and Gharem Studio is aimed at making people feel that way—like they are a complete citizen. It is a place where one can contemplate societal issues without worrying about ideology, and have help in directing new conceptual ideas and initiatives; but most importantly, it is a space where artists can be true to themselves.

“Artists are repressed in the Arab world—they haven’t been given the space to find a role, so they just roleplay,” said Gharem. “There is a big problem between understanding freedom and having fun. Pushing artists to produce work requires a lot of effort and energy, but that is how […] their energy and vision [should be used]—to enhance and produce something that is eternal. That is the core goal of Gharem Studio: to [encourage artists to] find a mission and a sense of belonging.”