The “See the Unseen” exhibition by Qatari Artist Faraj Daham opened at the Fire Station, yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin / tHE pENINSULA
Qatari artist Faraj Daham (pictured)opened his solo exhibition titled “See the Unseen” yesterday at the Fire Station Artist in Residence, following his month-long residency at “What about Art?” Foundation in Mumbai, India, as part of Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture. Open until November 29, Daham’s exhibition addresses the concept of historical concealment and exclusion through a qualitative approach between what is visible and what is real.
The dozens of Daham’s mixed media artworks on show are made of local materials such as Chinese fishing nets from Kochi in India, handmade paper, henna pigment and branches of trees.
Through his choice of materials, the artist drives his concept such as in the use of Chinese fishing nets alongside handmade manuscripts to hide the intangibility of history.
“During my residency in Mumbai, and through a visit to Kochi, I had the chance to look at the sea coast from a horizontal perspective. Horizontal here meaning a chronological and enriching accumulation of human patterns of cultural geography. A pattern of races and religions, beliefs and ethnicities, identities and languages distinguish India from other continents. I conducted a field research through which I saw the visible and invisible presence of the traces of man and what remains in the path of the Silk Road. This renowned naming of the mysterious East trade uncovers human existence through distant times,” he commented.
Daham’s month long residency came as part of the Qatar-India Year of Culture which aimed to promote mutual understanding, recognition and appreciation between the two countries through various programmes and initiatives. During his stay, Daham was provided with an individual studio space, professional networking opportunities and an intellectually stimulating environment for dialogue on visual arts practices for artists and curators.
“The collaborative nature of residencies allows artists to be introduced to new perspectives, styles and ideas. This helps them expand their horizons. We are really pleased to have collaborated with “What about Art?” to create an opportunity for exchange for one of our most talented artists,” said Aisha al-Attiya, Qatar Museums’ Head of Years of Culture.
Daham’s contemporary work is inspired by the transformation of the world around him and responds to the rapid changes experienced in Qatari society. His work has been displayed at Katara, Mathaf, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, and Al Markhiya Gallery, among others.
