DOHA: ‘Here There’, a showcase of works by artists from Qatar and Brazil opens to the public tomorrow, marking the conclusion of Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture.
Presented by Qatar Museums (QM) under the leadership of its Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the expo will see QM Gallery Al Riwaq split in half, each dedicated to Qatar (Here) and Brazil (There).
The diverse and vibrant collection of works by 19 Qatari and 23 Brazilian artists ranges from those made in traditional media such as paintings, drawings and print-making through to digital art, installations and interactive pieces.
The selected artists include first-time exhibitors through to more established and well-known figures.
Organised by the Public Art Department, QM, Qatari works for the exhibition have been curated by Alanoud Al Buainain and co-curated by Khalifa Al Obaidly.
The Brazilian works have been curated by Gunnar B Kvaran of Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Co-director, Serpentine Gallery, and Thierry Raspail, Director, Musée d’art contemportain, Lyon.
Al Buainain, artist and Qatari curator of the expo, said: “The works explore thought-provoking and challenging themes people of both countries will understand and relate to. This reflects QM’s focus on nurturing local talent and the global importance and role of art in helping exchange ideas, cultures and dialogue.”
Kvaran said, “It is my hope that the display of Brazilian creativity, diversity and innovation presented in the expo helps enhance Qatari audiences’ perception of Brazil’s arts and culture. “I am proud to be involved in the Qatar-Brazil Year of Culture 2014 exhibition, and on behalf of all Brazilian artists in the exhibition, I would like to thank H E Sheikha Al Mayassa for inviting us to be part of this wonderful initiative.”
The expo fulfils a key part of QM’s strategy to nurture emerging talent by offering local artists opportunities to develop best practice by providing a platform for the exchange of ideas.
This will continue to be a focus with the launch of the artists’ residence programme – Fire Station: Artists in Residence.
The Civil Defence Building, known as Doha’s Fire Station, has been turned into a hub for creative exchange.
Opening next year, the nine- month programme will support local artists by providing 20 studios and gallery space to collaborate with other artists, academia and the community, enabling them to hone and develop their techniques. Registration for the programme for all artists is open until April 1 through the Fire Station website — www.firestation.org.qa. The expo is open to the public until March 30.
The Peninsula
