Mathaf, Arab Museum of Modern Art, yesterday opened its first ever student exhibition showcasing young talent.
‘Mathaf Student Art Exhibition: Transform’ showcases students’ work, ranging from installations, videos, paintings and mixed media sculptures to photographs.
During spring this year, Matahf invited students across Qatar to explore the idea of transformation. Young artists responded to the challenge by transforming materials, images, sounds and ideas into art. The exhibition showcases some inspiring works of art, including 12 winning projects, until January 13.
Students, families and visitors celebrated the work of the young artists with performances by musicians from Qatar Music Academy and an art performance piece by Qatar Academy – Al Khor, and an art making workshop focused on transformation and the National Day at Mathaf.
“Although this is the first competition and exhibition to be held, this event is being organised as a part of our ongoing programmes for students. We decided to organize it after being impressed by the interest of students visitors to the museum,” said Maral Bedoyan, School Programmes Coordinator, Mathaf.
“The response was fantastic; we received 300 entries from 42 schools by 525 students. Their work was truly inspiring,” she further said.
Inspired by the works of art on view in the exhibition titled Cai Guo-Qiang: Saraab, the students were asked to think about the meaning of the word ‘transform’ and create their works of art in the spirit of the word. The activity was aimed to inspire the students to think outside the box and create something new, which transforms an idea, material or object. The students were also asked to document the process in order to share with the community their reflections on the experience.
“We wanted students to do the art work with a message to the society,” said Bedoyan.
The competition was judged by a panel comprising museum staff and community members, and included five age categories from kindergarten to grade 12. The entries were also judged on originality of the concept, use of material, expression of the idea of transformation, and process documentation.
Malak Elzahed of Doha College and Louna Bou Ghanem from the International School of London in Qatar were given ‘Best of Show’ awards for their works. Winners were also selected in other categories, such as ‘Bravest Use of Materials,’ ‘Best Outside the Box Concept,’ and ‘Most Inspiring.’
The Peninsula
