‘Tawazin’ on display
Doha: Qatar Museums, in collaboration with Qatari Diar and Msheireb Properties, has announced two upcoming new art installations as part of the second edition of the 5/6 initiative, which invites artists to conceptualise and propose a permanent public artwork that explores artistic interpretations of social cohesion and solidarity.
To continue the legacy, Qatar Museums’ Public Art department commissioned Qatari artists Shouq Al Mana and Shua’a Ali to exhibit their first public art installations in Lusail Marina,and in Msheireb Downtown Doha on Sikkat Al Wadi (next to Arabica).
Shouq Al Mana’s sculpture entitled Egal serves as a tribute to Qatar’s history, traditions and cultural heritage. The “egal” is traditionally a headpiece worn by Qatari males as a part of the national attire. It carries various profound meanings under different contexts. The subtle tilt of the egal expresses the movement of raising the egal as a sign of appreciation by the Qatari people and Qatar’s residents to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Qatari government for the developments they have achieved in numerous fields.
Tawazin by Shua’a Ali a pillar that symbolises the progression of Qatar, is constructed of various materials including granite, sandstone, limestones and pebbles that come with both organic and geometric shapes to form an aesthetical and conceptual dialogue.
The sculpture signifies the balance between traditional and modern elements in our everyday life. Using both modern and old construction materials, it marks the balance in contemporary local civic and architectural accomplishments. This large-size sculpture is a statement of balance signifying the importance of maintaining equilibrium between traditional and modern elements as Qatar continues to develop and flourish.
Commenting on the unveilings, Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Ishaq, Director of Public Art at Qatar Museums, said, “The unveiling of these artworks is symbolic of Qatar’s unity as a nation and an uplifting reminder of our resilience in the face of challenges.
Shouq Al Mana’s ‘Egal’ on display.
Qatar Museums extends its gratitude to the artists for their striking installations that further enrich Qatar’s thriving cultural landscape and help us to reflect on social, historical and cultural issues that matter.”
Speaking on behalf of Qatari Diar, Hamad Ali Alabdulmalik, Director of Development, Qatar, said: “Once again we are pleased to collaborate with Qatar Museums to promote and facilitate public art in key locations, this time at Lusail Marina. As a leading developer, we appreciate and value the role of art in creating an emotional connection between people and their environment. This project is particularly close to our hearts – reflecting, as it does, the pride and solidarity shown by both Qataris and Qatar residents in overcoming the challenges of recent years. By working specifically with Qatari sculptors on this project, we aim to raise the confidence of the local artist community, inspiring them to develop new pieces on a similar theme.”
Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, stated: “We are proud to be part of this initiative that clearly illustrates the common values of the Qatari community in tackling obstacles and challenges. The new art installation initiative in Msheireb Downtown Doha comes in line with our mission in reaching the wider community through art and creativity to convey the message of solidarity and stability of our people. We would like to thank our partners for this important initiative, and appreciate the effort of the participated artists in creating such inspiring pieces that truly reflects our legacy”.
The 5/6 initiative is open to Qatari artists and artists of any nationality who are based in Qatar and hold a valid Qatar residency permit.
