(b. 1973)
Born in 1973, he has become one of the co-founders of Edge of Arabia. Abdulnasser Gharem is one of the most important promoters of contemporary Saudi art, both in bolstering art education at home and in encouraging its exhibition abroad. Originally an officer in the Saudi army, Gharem’s work seeks to negotiate between necessary political comment and respect for regional tradition. Although his practice is diverse, it is united by a fearlessness and a willingness to question authority. After the government censored several of his pieces, his next works directly commented on censorship. His sculpture Message/Messenger — which uses the Dome of the Rock in an allegory for the peace process — still sets the record for the highest sale of any Gulf artist.