Horse paintings on display at “Keep Running: AI, Art and Qatari Heritage” at Fire Station Gallery 3. Pics: Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula
The Fire Station: Artist in Residence, yesterday launched two exhibitions with diverse themes and works created using fresh mediums.
“Keep Running: AI, Art and Qatari Heritage” was unveiled at Gallery 3 while “Mohammed Atiq Al Dosari: Attention” opened at Gallery 4.
Dr. James She, an associate professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, shows that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used not only for technological advances but also for creative purposes like art through his works being showcased at the “Keep Running: AI, Art and Qatari Heritage” exhibition.
Dr. She provides a fresh artistic take on horses – a vital element of culture and heritage of Qatar and the region symbolising strength, persistence and endurance.
Using generative adversarial network (GAN) technology, the artist made a series of AI paintings that depict distinguishable features and forms of horses while creating aesthetic value and even capturing sentimental reactions in each horse portrait.
The human and machine co-generated collection of equine paintings were made over the past year during Dr. She’s residency at the Fire Station as part of collaboration with HBKU.
Qatari artist Mohammed Atiq Al Dosari, on the other hand, examines the detrimental impact of waste on the environment during his residency at the International Studio & Curatorial Program in Brooklyn, New York last year.
Al Dosari draws inspiration from Indian philosopher Osho, using the waste material to create something beautiful and to raise awareness of the global challenge of waste.
In his practice, he uses simple elements, ordinary tools, and cheap materials to create pieces that explore the ideas of time and place.
Found objects from various parts of Qatar are among the materials the artist used in creating his body of work to emphasise on the urgent theme of waste management crisis facing the world today.
Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director of Fire Station, said: “The Fire Station is delighted to unveil two incredibly thought-provoking exhibitions that explore current global advances and challenges. We look forward to welcoming the wider community to explore these modern themes from a refreshing perspective and to reconsider how we can each play our part in alleviating the global waste crisis.”
Both exhibitions are open for public viewing with COVID19 safety protocols until April 7, from 9am to 7pm Saturdays to Thursdays and from 1.30pm to 7pm on Fridays.
