Art knows no boundaries, says Italian artist in solo show

Through her 40 mixed media artworks on canvas and porcelain, Doha-based Italian artist Caterina Varchetta succeeds in putting her message across, that art knows no borders and that it promotes dialogue between cultures.

Varchetta’s latest works are on show at her solo exhibition dubbed “No boundaries” which opened on Wednesday at Katara Cultural Village and is officially part of the initiative supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to promote Italian contemporary art abroad.

“‘No boundaries’ embodies at best the close relations between our Countries, that are always eager to reach higher levels of cooperation, including in the field of culture, where new creative codes of artistic expressions are emerging also thanks to these growing contacts,” said Pasquale Salzano, Ambassador of Italy to Qatar at the exhibition launch.

As most of the works were produced during her stay in Qatar, they depict an amalgam of nuances of Italian and Qatari elements from mediums and colours to shapes and textures. Her output in Doha showcases her use of the red color, bursting into her works as a new, dominant force.

Another constant feature in the works deeply associated with Qatar is the presence of gold — gold as the sun shining in the Country, a source of energy and creativity, but also a gateway to a deeper spiritual essence that goes beyond its connotation as a luxury item. In some of the works, she uses broken nets as a tangible expression of an inner liberation — the quest to reject enforced boundaries and go beyond imposed labels.

“Exposed to local influences and inspired by the landscapes of Qatar, Caterina applies to canvas and porcelains a very personal artistic language, mixing Italian traditions and Qatari symbols. As a consequence, her artworks engage without limits and restrictions in an open dialogue between two cultures,” said Salzano.

Highlighting the core message of the exhibition which is art without borders, the Ambassador said: “Art goes beyond any barriers and rejects labels, constrictions and divisions. This is exactly the approach that Italy and Qatar share towards art and culture, which need to remain free and inclusive.”

The exhibition launch witnessed the presence of Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and a large number of attendees comprising representatives of the diplomatic community, dignitaries, members of the Italian community and Doha’s art community.

 “No boundaries” is open to the public at Katara Building 22 Gallery 2 until October 13.