BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: A mosaic of 150 paintings of iconic figures that have shaped the history of modern Arab world and images of corpses of assassinated political leaders highlight the exhibition of renowned artist Yan Pei-Ming which opened yesterday at the QMA Gallery in Katara.
Under the patronage of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, ‘Painting the History’ is the first major expo in Qatar by the acclaimed French-Chinese artist who became known for his ‘epic-sized’ portraits of Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong, and actor Bruce Lee and runs until January 12.
“This is a just a summary of the modern history of Arab world in my own point of view based on what I watched on television – a free form of media accessed by many,” Yan Pei-Ming told media persons at a press preview of the three-month long expo.
All in black and white, the portraits depict influential Arab personalities in various fields from politics to literature and art to sport taking every visitor into an exciting visual journey made possible by the artist’s masterful brushstroke.
Some of those in the list included former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, French footballer of Algerian descent Zinedine Zidane and Lebanese singer Fairuz.
“Yan Pei-Mings’ exhibition triggers debate and offers a platform for creative discussion and that’s what art should be,” said Jean-Paul Engelen, Director of Public Art at the QMA.
“In today’s world, contemporary art has become a major focus and this exhibition addresses the context of contemporary art focusing on people who make history and how painting addresses today’s society in an age ruled by digital images,” said Francesco Bonami, exhibition curator.
History of modern Arab world is just one section of the exhibition which also delves into art and world history allowing the public to focus more deeply in the past.
A triptych of famous painting in Western art ‘The Death of Marat’ originally by Jacques-Louis David is showcased in the second section of the expo. Yan Pei-Ming puts a different character and texture in each of the painting differentiated by his use of grey, red and black hues.
But the last part of the expo completes the major highlight of the expo with the compelling images of corpses of assassinated political leaders from the beginning of the 20th century until recently, such as John F Kennedy, Mahatma Gandhi, Che Guevara, Saddam Hussein and Martin Luther King.
In order to engage students in this exhibition, QMA visited QF and QU Student Center where they conducted the “Know Your History” game in which the winner will have a portrait made by the artist. In collaboration with the Youth Company a number of interactive activities to engage, educate, and empower youth will be held, one of which is a photo booth set up at the exhibition’s entrance allowing visitors to take self-portraits in the style of Yan Pei-Ming’s paintings.
As part of QMA’s involvement in the QRpedia project, a mobile Web based system which uses QR codes to deliver Wikipedia articles to users, all portraits on view in the exhibit will have a QR code which when scanned with a suitable mobile device will give visitors access to comprehensive information about the individuals depicted in Yan Pei-Ming’s paintings.
Another feature of the exhibition will be “Olafur Eliasson: Little Sun”, a solar-powered lamp made for people worldwide who live off the electrical grid. “Little Sun” lamp will be available for purchase at the exhibition and visitors will be able to learn more about the global energy challenge and light’s importance for life. A 24-hour blackout event will be held from November 29 at 9pm till November 30 at 9pm, wherein the expo can be only seen in the dark using a “Little Sun” lamp.
A comprehensive educational program will complement this exhibition including workshops for children and adults.
The exhibition is free to public from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm and on Friday from 3pm to 9pm.
The Peninsula
