Qatar and its ambition to become the "art mecca" of the Middle East

Leading the initiative, Qatar Museums, a state-owned entity affiliated with several Qatari national cultural institutions, said the more than 40 works on display in public spaces are all new, commissioned works by Qatari and international artists. In a press release, they said they wanted to transform the local urban landscape into “a vast outdoor art museum experience.”

“While the rest of the world is looking to Doha, we think that showcasing the beauty of local art is one of the best ways to promote our country’s image to the world,” said Abdulrahman Ahmed Al-Ishaq, Director of Public Art at Qatar Museums.

Art exhibition

Installation of the artworks has been done quickly, and large works will appear in public squares, shopping malls, schools, sports centers, train stations, Hamad International Airport as well as several stadiums set to host matches of the 2022 World Cup.

"All the artworks we are displaying are relevant to the context of Doha and Qatar," Al-Ishaq said. "Each piece will reflect different aspects of our country." One example is the "Falcon" piece.(Eagle)Dutch sculptor Tom Claassen's sculpture outside Hamad International Airport - a golden abstract image of Qatar's national bird that was unveiled this summer. Near the National Theatre is the "Two Orchids" monument(Two orchids)by German artist Isa Genzken, a large sculpture that is likened to an idealized version of a plant symbolizing the relationship between architecture, nature, and popular culture.

Al-Ishaq also said that the reason for placing Genzken's "Two Orchids" in the garden of the National Theatre was because this is one of the oldest architectural works in the city, associated with the beauty and elegance of art, and Genzken's orchid will be a symbol to enhance the inherent beauty of the theatre.

Although the full list of artists and works on display has not yet been announced, several well-known and talented names from both Qatar and other countries have been confirmed. Among them are Ahmed Al Bahrani, an Iraqi sculptor living in exile in Qatar, known for his politically charged works of the Arab community, such as war, migration and memory, and Faraj Daham, who focuses on changes in national architecture and urbanism and the economic, political and social consequences that arise from those changes.

There will also be appearances from a number of talents such as: Simone Fattal - a famous Lebanese-American artist with works about war, migration, landscapes, religion and ancient mythology; Shua'a Ali - a Qatari visual artist, who will also debut her first work before us - an abstract sculpture titled "Tawazun"(an Arabic word meaning "balance").

"Tawazun" consists of stacked stone details that represent the country's "progress" and the "balance" between traditional and modern elements in daily life. Ali shared that she feels extremely proud and honored that her work will be displayed in the heart of Doha, which will be a great opportunity for her and "Tawazun" to reach a global audience, "The public art program will create a solid foundation for artists and creators to thrive in the future."

"Art Sanctuary"

The road to the 2022 World Cup is not far away, however, in the run-up to this top football championship, Qatar has faced a lot of criticism related to the unfair treatment of migrant workers and anti-homosexuality laws. In November, to address the issue of discriminatory laws against homosexuals, Nassar Al Khater - CEO of Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 shared with CNN that no one should feel threatened when visiting Qatar. "Qatar is a loving and extremely hospitable country, our doors will always be open to welcome you."

And of course, cultural initiatives like the public art program are also an important part of helping the world change its perception of Qatar. Al-Ishaq said: "This program is designed to provide a holistic view of our identity and culture, whether past or present. It is an invitation for the world to look at Qatar - a country with its own unique beauty, not just because of the 2022 World Cup."

The public art program first launched in 2013 with a series of artworks including "The Miraculous Journey"(The Magical Journey)British artist Damien Hirst’s controversial installation, which featured 14 bronze sculptures of a fetus from conception to birth, was displayed at the Sidra Medical and Research Centre. The installation featured a sperm fertilizing an egg next to a giant naked baby boy. After receiving outrage on social media, the piece was reworked in 2018.

Ali Hassan - author of "Desert Horse" shared: "It is beyond my ability as a Qatari artist to have my work leave its mark on such important landmarks, this not only has great significance for the locality but also allows the public around the world to admire the artistic beauty of Qatar".

The program has also been expanded to include more contemporary artists and local residents, including a call to students, encouraging young people to create temporary public art works from recycled materials.

“The public participation has brought people closer to art, they will feel more free and comfortable than having to go to a museum to admire the works,” said Al-Ishaq. “Our goal in all related projects is to make art part of the urban fabric of Qatar.”

But the country's plans are even more ambitious. "We want Qatar to become the main art hub in the region," Al-Ishaq said, "To become the art mecca of the Middle East."

Khanh Ha