What We Are Reading Today: ‘Contemporary Kingdom’

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Updated 14 April 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Contemporary Kingdom’

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  • Physically substantial, the book feels symbolic — like a literal building block in the ongoing construction of Saudi Arabia’s artistic future

The new edition of “Contemporary Kingdom” is a lush green coffee table volume that is more than worthy of the space it occupies.

Building on the original 2014 release, the new edition offers a sweeping insight into one of the world’s most dynamic art scenes. With expanded coverage, it dives deep into the Kingdom’s bold and vibrant creative landscape through essays and detailed profiles of contemporary Saudi artists.

This expanded volume charts the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s art scene. It highlights visionary artists, pivotal moments and cultural shifts that have pushed the Kingdom onto the global art stage.

From historical context to groundbreaking contemporary movements, the book captures a transformative journey in motion.

Physically substantial, the book feels symbolic — like a literal building block in the ongoing construction of Saudi Arabia’s artistic future.

Featuring a foreword by Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah, Part 1 is titled “The Ecosystem” and includes essays by notable Saudi voices such as Ashraf Fagih and Dalal Majed, alongside international contributors.

Part 2 presents profiles of 55 Saudi artists, complete with suggestions for further reading.

Launched by Canvas Magazine in collaboration with the Visual Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture, the book made its debut during the inaugural Art Week Riyadh, which ended on April 13.

“Contemporary Kingdom, Second Edition” is available for purchase at the Riyadh Art Building in JAX, Diriyah, adjacent to the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, through the end of May.

 


What We Are Reading Today: American Mirror by Roberto Saba

What We Are Reading Today: American Mirror by Roberto Saba
Updated 17 May 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: Ocean

What We Are Reading Today: Ocean
Updated 15 May 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: Ocean

What We Are Reading Today: Ocean

Authors: David Attenborough, Colin Butfield

Drawing a course across David Attenborough’s own lifetime, Ocean takes readers through eight unique ocean habitats, through countless intriguing species, and through the most astounding discoveries of the last 100 years, to a future vision of a fully restored marine world, even richer and more spectacular than we could possibly hope.
Ocean reveals the past, present and potential future of our blue planet.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘How to Change a Memory’ by Steve Ramirez

What We Are Reading Today: ‘How to Change a Memory’ by Steve Ramirez
Updated 14 May 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘How to Change a Memory’ by Steve Ramirez

What We Are Reading Today: ‘How to Change a Memory’ by Steve Ramirez

As a graduate student at MIT, Steve Ramirez successfully created false memories in the lab. Now, as a neuroscientist working at the frontiers of brain science, he foresees a future where we can replace our negative memories with positive ones.

“In How to Change a Memory,” Ramirez draws on his own memories—of friendship, family, loss, and recovery—to reveal how memory can be turned on and off like a switch, edited, and even constructed from nothing.

A future in which we can change our memories of the past may seem improbable, but in fact, the everyday act of remembering is one of transformation.


Book Review: ‘The Brain’ by Alison George

Book Review: ‘The Brain’ by Alison George
Updated 13 May 2025
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Book Review: ‘The Brain’ by Alison George

Book Review: ‘The Brain’ by Alison George

Imagine having a manual for the brain, the remarkable, mysterious machine that powers thoughts, dreams, and creativity, and stands as the force behind human civilization, setting our species apart from all others on Earth.

“The Brain: Everything You Need to Know” by Alison George, published by New Scientist, breaks down consciousness, memory, intelligence, and even why we dream, in a way that is light and easy to follow. It avoids scientific jargon, making it a good choice for readers who are curious about the brain but don’t want to get lost in technical details. 

Along the way, the book asks a fundamental question: How can we understand, and even improve, the way our minds function? 

The book argues that the brain is far more complex than we tend to assume. Many of its processes happen outside of conscious awareness, and even the ways we make decisions, form memories, or dream are shaped by forces we barely notice.

Understanding the brain, the book suggests, requires accepting that much of what drives us happens invisibly. 

One chapter that stands out takes a closer look at the unconscious mind, described as the brain’s “unsung hero.” It’s where habits live and decisions form long before they reach awareness. Everyday actions like walking, typing, or even choosing what to eat are often driven by this autopilot system. The book explores how deeply the unconscious shapes behavior, challenging the idea that we are always fully in control of our actions. 

Some of the chapters are short and punchy, which keeps the pace moving, but this also means the book doesn’t spend enough time exploring some of the topics. It can feel more like an introduction to neuroscience than a true exploration of it. For readers seeking a light, engaging overview of the mind’s mysteries, this approach may work well. Those hoping for deeper engagement, however, might be left wanting more.


Book Review: ‘The Silk Road: A Living History’

Book Review: ‘The Silk Road: A Living History’
Updated 12 May 2025
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Book Review: ‘The Silk Road: A Living History’

Book Review: ‘The Silk Road: A Living History’

Photographer Christopher Wilton-Steer’s recently published book “The Silk Road: A Living History” is more than just a travelogue or photo collection. Adorned with 150 original photographs, alongside personal reflections, it is a vivid reminder of the shared history that connects us all.

The Silk Road, which began during the Han Dynasty around 130 B.C., played a pivotal role in facilitating the exchange of goods, cultures and ideas. By the 15th century, however, its influence began to wane.

Wilton-Steer set out to build a new bridge between the past and present, and between the old and new.

Undertaken just before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world, Wilton-Steer retraced that historic Silk Road path between July and November 2019, traveling 40,000 km using trains, buses, camels and horses to fully immerse himself in the places he visited.

He took the scenic route, and let his shutter do the talking. Photographs were taken in such places as Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, India, and, of course, China.

As the head of communications at the Aga Khan Foundation, a global nonprofit organization that works to improve quality of life in underdeveloped regions, the London-based Wilton-Steer brought his vision to life.

After a pause due to worldwide lockdowns, his photographs from the journey were displayed at an open-air exhibition in 2021 at London’s King’s Cross, featuring almost 100 photographs. Then, a more intimate selection was showcased at the Aga Khan Park in Toronto, lasting until May 2022.

Now, you can travel the Silk Road in the form of the book, without leaving your living room.

What makes “The Silk Road” stand out is the combination of visuals with the author’s personal insights.

He offers a fresh, personal perspective on the historic trade route that connected the East and West for more than 1,600 years. His writing explores the exchanges that took place on the Silk Road, which continues to shape life today.

From the bustling markets or ancient ruins, his insights add depth to the images.

The foreword by historian Peter Frankopan provides historical context, but it is Wilton-Steer’s own voice that really makes it worth a look.

Through his lens, we are reminded that history is not just something of the past — it is very much alive today. And if a photo can tell 1,000 words, there are many more to tell.

The Silk Road is no longer merely a mythical path you read about in history books. This book brings it to the present.

Published by Hemeria, a publisher specializing in high-quality photo books, “The Silk Road: A Living History” can be a great addition to your coffee table or bookshelf.