Paintings by Qatari artist Fatima Al Naimi on show at “What If?” exhibition unveiled on Saturday at W Doha’s Art 29 in line with Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture. Pic: Raynald C Rivera/The Peninsula
Doha: Stunning, diverse, and thought-provoking art pieces created by 18 Qatari and American artists are on display at “What If?” exhibition which opened on Saturday at W Doha’s Art 29 gallery.
Curated by Qatari artist and art ambassador Muna Al Bader, the show features dozens of unique artworks that reveal how the artists live and look at life at this crucial time expressed in different media such as paintings, installations and mixed media.
In particular, the exhibition “visualizes the challenges faced at the height of the COVID-19 global health pandemic, and the triumph of the human spirit in overcoming this pandemic through unity and resilience.”
Showcased at the month-long exhibition are works by Ali Hassan, Muna AI Bader, Maryam Al Attiya, Ebtisam AI Saffar, Fatima Al Naimi, Eman Al Sulaiti, Shatha Al Shammary, Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Astrid Kensinger, Michael Hersrud, Michael Perrone, Elizabeth Marker Al Habsi, Abdulla Al Habsi, Gloria Garcia, Levi Hammett, Rab McClure, Ryan Browning, and Emma AI Saleh. Architect and educator Rab McLure who investigates form, light, space, material, memory and imagination while in his art showcases an installation while US diplomat Elizabeth Marker-Al Habsi displays one of her works which depict American textile art as she loves working with textile – a tradition which was handed down to her by her mother and grandmother.
Portrait artist Eman Al Sulaiti, who has been drawing for 25 years, displays a couple of her latest paintings delving into COVID-19 theme, while Fatima Al Naimi showcases three of her paintings in which she depicts uncontrollable and expected results using spectacular colour combinations. Presented in line with the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, “What If?” is a product of collaborative efforts of Qatar Museums, the US embassy in Doha, and W Doha Hotel & Residences. Exhibitions are one of the many important elements of the year-long cultural celebration being organized in both countries.
The Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture is aimed at enhancing cultural and artistic exchange and exemplifies the renewed commitment of the two nations to foster mutual understanding and promote intercultural dialogue. “What If?” is open for public viewing following COVID-19 safety protocols from 10am to 10pm throughout this month.
