Othman Khunji (left) and Majdulin Nasrallah
Over the past decade, Qatar has cemented its cultural vision by creating a space to explore, build, and understand cultures from around the Middle East and the wider North Africa and Southeast Asia regions.
The Qatar-MENASA 2022 Year of Culture has been the foundation for a new and important phase in cross-cultural collaboration this year.
The Year of Culture events, presented in Qatar as it welcomes the world as host of the region’s first FIFA World Cup, celebrate the shared heritage and beauty of the MENASA region.
During what also marks the 10th year anniversary of the Years of Culture initiative, programming will showcase a thoughtful focus on regional narratives told through the eyes of its public.
Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya, Qatar Musuems Director of Cultural Diplomacy, said: “The MENASA region is one of the most diverse in the world, giving rise to powerful civilisations, incredible innovations and cultural breakthroughs. This global heritage is our legacy that unites us all. Today it permeates through the creative industries in Qatar and among our neighbours and we want to empower people from the region to share their stories, passion, and progress in their own words.”
Qatar has invested in building an infrastructure that supports creatives throughout their journey, including in cultural hubs like the Fire Station, Liwan and M7, with the purpose of connecting artists, providing them with opportunities, and offering them exposure.
Among them are some Qatar-grown regional talent and their projects. Majdulin Nasrallah, from Palestinian, is a creative whose work spans a wide range of disciplines.
She uses both art and design as tools to challenge current systems and constructs, provoke critical thought, and stimulate discussion.
Her recent work is “Balance Bench,” an interactive public artwork that tackles the notion of psychological and physical boundaries on both an individual and social scale.
Othman Khunji, a Bahraini, is an interdisciplinary conceptual artist. His work ranges across the fields of product, and interactive installation design. His areas of interest are social
behaviours, triangulating how the relationships between religion, culture, and society can be expressed through the language of design.
“Qatar brings together people from all backgrounds where they can engage in open dialogue on different social justice issues that my artworks address,” he said.
Hadeer Omar, an Egyptian, is a new media artist, designer, and educator. Her research explores cultural identity and memories, the self, and narratives through immersive XR media and technologies, graphics, photography, A/V performances and video art installations.
These artists will showcase their work during Majaz: Contemporary Art Qatar, from September 16 to February 24, 2023, at Masrah Almaared, Mathaf, which is part of Qatar-MENASA 2022 Year of Culture.
Meanwhile, the Fire Station: Artist in Residence will celebrate young local and regional talent in Majaz: Contemporary Art Qatar, on view from September 16, through February 25, 2023.
The Artist in Residence Alumni Exhibition will celebrate five years of the Artist in Residence (AIR) programme at the Fire Station and the flourishing art scene in Qatar.
Other home-grown artists include Maryam Al Majid, a Qatari-Indian, who comes from a diverse background and mix of two very rich cultures — Qatar and India.
From an early age, she has been influenced in many ways by both countries and its values.
Haytham Sharrouf (born in Venezuela and raised in Lebanon) is an interior architect, graphic designer, and artist.
He will take part in the Fire Station Artist in Residence alumni exhibition in September. Currently, both artists works will be on display at Doha Dreams at M7 from June 8 to August 31.
