Abdulnasser Gharem Examines Football, Power, and Gulf Investment in Berlin Exhibition
At Galerie Nagel Draxler in Berlin, Abdulnasser Gharem presents his exhibition titled "The Image is a Public Menace," showcasing an installation called "The Unscored Goal," which features two footballs marked with "Genehmigt" and "Abgelehnt." Gharem critiques the investments made by Gulf states in football, pointing out Saudi Arabia's ownership of Newcastle, Qatar's Paris Saint-Germain, and Abu Dhabi's Manchester City, suggesting these moves aim to secure fan loyalty. He emphasizes the emotional significance of football, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the English Premier League captivates young Saudis. Acknowledging his own isolation after voicing criticism of policies, Gharem also addresses cultural challenges in classical nude art. His sculpture "The Arts Tower" on Riyadh's Sports Boulevard questions the impact of Gulf cultural investments amidst geopolitical strains.
Key facts
- Abdulnasser Gharem's exhibition "The Image is a Public Menace" is on view at Galerie Nagel Draxler in Berlin.
- The installation "The Unscored Goal" features two footballs stamped with words such as "Genehmigt," "Abgelehnt," "In Prüfung," and "Vertraulich," shot against a paper sheet.
- Gharem argues Gulf states invest in football to buy fan loyalty and improve their image, citing Saudi-owned Newcastle, Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain and KAS Eupen, and Abu Dhabi-controlled Manchester City.
- In Saudi Arabia, football is a primary entertainment due to limited options, with many young Saudis watching the English Premier League and Champions League online.
- Gharem was isolated for about four years after criticizing government measures in his work; relations have recently normalized.
- His 83-meter-tall sculpture "The Arts Tower" is installed on Riyadh's new Sports Boulevard, commissioned by an American company.
- The Saudi government plans dozens of new museums, but classical nude drawing still requires secrecy due to cultural norms.
- The work "The Unscored Goal" (2026) questions whether Gulf investments achieve their goals or expose contradictions; photo by Ajlan Abdulnasser Gharem.
Entities
Artists
- Abdulnasser Gharem
- Ajlan Abdulnasser Gharem
Institutions
- Galerie Nagel Draxler
- Newcastle United
- Paris Saint-Germain
- KAS Eupen
- Manchester City
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates
- Riyadh
- Iran