‘From Desert to Life’ exhibition begins at Katara

Poetry and photography blend together in a unique collaborative exhibition that saw three women artists go beyond images and delve into the core of a significant element of Qatari cultural heritage.

Titled “From Desert to Life,” the exhibition which opened at Katara Art Centre on Sunday, features 14 photos by photographers Aurelie Korady and Marie-Josee Bedard with poetry by art critic Cécilia Burtica. It depicts Arabian horses, falcons and camels in an unconventional perspective, serving as an ode to these creatures which have played a significant role in Arabian culture for many centuries.

“The concept of the show is to exhibit differently, to see something farther than the pictures. A picture can convey a message but the combination of poetry and photos can send another, inspiring the viewer to think in another way,” Burtica, who is also the exhibition curator, told The Peninsula.

One year in the making, the project involved the selection of the best images taken by the two talented photographers revolving on the theme and the creation of poetry based on the them. Burtica is a Belgian-Romanian author of a dozen books published in various countries who has collaborated with many artists including American painter Nina Rodrigues Castinado, Belgian-Romanian composer Alin Gherman and Chinese designer Zhi Wei Li, to name a few. “Sometimes I prefer to work in this kind of environment getting experience and knowledge from other artists. It’s always interesting to see what you can create with two or three other artists around you,” she said. Among the highlights of the show are seven photos, mostly of falcons, by award-winning French photographer Aurelie Korady.

“I’ve selected pictures of falcons because they are an important animal for Qatari people. I had the chance to take photographs of them during the first and third editions of Qatar International Falcon and Hunting Festival,” said Korady. “We had photos of animals found and appreciated here and we thought it could be a good idea to show the poetry behind these animals and how they are an important element of local culture,” she added.

Canadian photographer Marie-Josee Bedard, on the other hand, focuses on horses and camels in her collection showcased at the exhibition. When I came to Doha, I had the chance to really work on photos that I felt passionate about. I know horses here are beautiful. it was a perfect opportunity to do personal projects which led to this group exhibition and I hope it pleases the community,” said Bedard. On Qatar’s art scene, she said:

“It’s very much vibrant and alive. As years go by, we see a lot of activity as more interesting artists come especially here in Katara.”