Illuminating Russell Square...

Anyone who regularly frequents Russell Square has surely taken notice of the newest additions to the SOAS campus: two vibrantly lit neon orange palm trees providing a stark contrast to the dreary grey skys heralding the start of winter. These giant, glowing pillars are not a re-interpretation of the conventional Christmas Tree, but instead mark the entrance to the Edge of Arabia, the Brunei Gallery's current exhibition showcasing contemporary Saudi Arabian art. The work of 17 Saudi artists is represented throughout two floors of gallery space, and provides a refreshingly unique expression of viewpoints on history, modernity, religion, and the world from within Saudi Arabia. This free exhibition will be running until December 13th, so be sure and stop by. And while you're in the area, why don't you wander over to Marchmont Street for some shopping and/or education at one of the newest additions to the King's Cross community: the School of Life. On Wednesday afternoon, CreateKX and Urban Words hosted an intimate workshop on creative writing consultancy in the basement of this stimulating new venue, and the stunning wall murals captured everyones attention.