ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Ahmed Mater Mid-Career Retrospective at Christie's London

exhibition · 2026-04-19

From July 17 to August 22, 2025, Christie's will present 'Ahmed Mater: Chronicles,' a mid-career retrospective showcasing the works of Saudi artist Ahmed Mater at its London location. Curated by Dr. Ridha Moumni, the exhibition will display over 100 pieces, including 'Magnetism Book,' 'Boundary,' and the 'Illumination' series. A highlight of the exhibition is 'Ashab Al-Lal,' a land art installation set for Wadi AlFann, which will debut in 2025. Additional significant artworks include 'Lightning Land' and 'Evolution of Man.' The exhibition aims to illustrate the evolving social and cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia, with pieces borrowed from various institutions. Dr. Moumni referred to it as an 'odyssey into Mater's visionary practice,' while Mater noted the significance of returning to London since his 2005 exhibition at the British Museum.

Key facts

  • Exhibition runs July 17 – August 22, 2025 at Christie's London headquarters.
  • Over 100 works from Ahmed Mater's career, including unseen early abstracts.
  • New work 'Magnetism Book' debuts, inspired by the Holy Qur'an.
  • Site-specific commission 'Ashab Al-Lal' for Wadi AlFann, AlUla, opening 2025.
  • Curated by Dr. Ridha Moumni, Chairman of Christie's Middle East and Africa.
  • Works on loan from Barjeel Art Foundation, Athr Gallery, Royal Commission for AlUla, and private collections.
  • Mater's first UK exhibition was at the British Museum in 2005.
  • Exhibition highlights include 'Boundary,' 'Lightning Land,' and 'Evolution of Man.'

Entities

Artists

  • Ahmed Mater
  • Fatimah Hassan Abdullah
  • Sultan Sooud El Qassemi

Institutions

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • AlUla
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Paris
  • France
  • Doha
  • Qatar
  • New York
  • United States
  • Bahrain
  • Sharjah
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Middle East
  • Africa

Sources