Unveiled New Art from the Middle East

"At its best, this candid collection from the Islamic world is inventive and truly fearless."- The Observer, London This lavish volume, published to accompany an exhibition at London's new Saatchi Gallery, is a striking collection of contemporary art from the Middle East. As Lisa Farjam, founder ofBidounmagazine, writes in her introduction, "The Middle East today is routinely viewed through the all-too-predictable prism of strife, oppression and terrorism, which obscures a great deal." With works gathered from artists of Middle Eastern origin living all over the world,Unveiledreveals a region of dizzying complexity and energy, characterized by diverse cultural, historical and political influences that stretch back centuries. Diana Al-Hadid, Ahmed Alsoudani, Nadia Ayari, Ramin and Rokni Haerizadeh, Barbad Golshiri and Shadi Ghadirian are just a few of the artists whose work is represented in these vibrant, stunning pages.

Lisa Farjam is Founder and Editor in Chief of Bidoun, a magazine created as a platform for dialogue and opinion about the arts and culture in the Middle East. The Saatchi Gallery in London has launched the careers of many young artists, notably the YBAs, or Young British Artists, who have since become household names. Charles Saatchi first opened his gallery in 1985. He continues to collect and exhibit contemporary art.