Abdulnasser Gharem Book

The brief:

We were asked to design a book exploring the life and work of pioneering conceptual artist – and lieutenant colonel in the Saudi Arabian Army – Abdulnasser Gharem.

As both a serving lieutenant colonel in the Saudi Arabian army and a conceptual artist with work in collections held by the British Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Abdulnasser Gharem is pretty much the definition of ‘unusual’ so we knew the project would need to reflect that.

The project:

Picking up on the raw, industrial nature of the artist's work, we chose an approach that compliments his style. Gharem’s art reflects his background and experiences, so in the pages dealing with his life we used contextual images and sketches with a strong link to his works. These were printed on a rough, natural coloured recycled paper in strong contrast to the bright white, high-gloss stock which showcases his finished art. 

The final object – produced in collaboration with Gharem himself, Edge of Arabia and publisher Booth Clibborn – comprises a case-bound book of 196 pages with a foil-blocked jacket and cover, tip-ins and mixed stock throughout. The effect is impactful, invigorating and tactile.

Testimonial:

'This stunning book presents one of Saudi Arabia’s most talked-about contemporary artists.'

Amazon

‘The book is hefty yet concise; simple in design yet thorough in its analysis of Gharem's oeuvre.'

The National