DOHA: Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) yesterday launched the Damien Hirst Art Challenge, giving Qatar residents the opportunity to win an all-expenses paid trip to London to meet Hirst and have a guided tour of one of Gloucester studios.
To win the contest being held under the patronage of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, participants are asked to create and submit a photo of an artwork inspired by Hirst’s exploration of Life and Death. Hirst’s works investigate and challenge contemporary belief systems. A reoccurring theme in his iconic pieces include a series of creatures preserved in formaldehyde, Natural History (1991), and the diamond skull, For the Love of God (2007).
Submissions are open until December 28 and must fall under a recognised category, including painting, photography, graphic design, sculptures, illustrations or mixed media.
The judging panel of Damien Hirst, Jason Beard, Creative Director of Hirst’s publishing company, Other Criteria, Caitlín Doherty, Exhibitions and Speaker Curator at VCUQatar, and Hala Mohammed Al Khalifa, Head of Artists in Residence Programme at Public Art Department in QMA will select a winner who will be announced on January 13.
For details, participants can visit damienhirstchallenge.qa
Relics, Damien Hirst first solo exhibition in the Middle East is on view until January 22, 2014, at Al Riwaq Doha exhibition space.
The Peninsula
