‘Strange Wonders’ exhibition opens at Msheireb Museum

DOHA: The Company House, one of the four restored heritage houses transformed into museums within Msheireb Downtown Doha, hosts its first temporary exhibition ‘Strange Wonders’ which opened yesterday.

The exhibition, presented by Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQatar) in conjunction with Msheireb Properties, represents a culmination of the artistic journey of ten students, alumni and faculty and staff of VCUQatar.

The title “Strange Wonders” is based on a direct quotation from Qatari oil pioneer Thamir Muftah, who witnessed the many new changes that came to Qatar with the discovery of oil. He recalled that, “we were seeing so many things of the like of which we had never even imagined. Coloured tins, pineapples, pears, oranges, all kinds of strange wonders”.

“This is our first temporary exhibition in the Company House and this time we are celebrating a new wave of artists who would go and explore what could change our society that might be seen as strange for now but later on would be a significant part of our society,” said Hafiz Ali – Director of Msheireb Museums, during a preview of the exhibition.

‘Strange Wonders’ 2016 features a robust and eclectic mix of stunning and inventive visual arts in diverse materials and forms but under a a unified theme of pioneering innovation, industrial development and growth and advancement inspired by Msheireb Museums’ vision.

“This exhibition talks about the strange wonders of today, the past and the future. What you will experience in this exhibition are multimedia artworks ranging from furniture design, video and installation,” said Maryam Yousef Al Homaid, one of the curators.
One of the interesting pieces on display is called “The Light of Knowledge” by VCUQatar alumna Shaikha Mahmoud Al Mahmoud. It is a metal and wood panel that can be displayed and held by hand and contains a hidden message.

Al Mahmoud said the piece was inspired by Qatar today as a beacon of education and knowledge.  “This piece has an element of discovery. You cannot see what is written until you see it in a certain light, that’s why we call it “The Light of Knowledge,” she explained.

The ‘Strange Wonders’ exhibit demonstrates VCUQatar and Msheireb Properties’ joint commitment to offering unique platforms that provide students, staff, faculty and alumni with the opportunity to create original works of art and to have their pieces presented to the public within a juried exposition.

“This event marks one of those occasions to share our insight and capacities, to bridge our intellectual cultures, to foster value and quality, and to build on our distinct histories and heritages,” said Craig Anz, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at VCUQatar.

“In keeping with our mandate of safeguarding Qatar’s cultural heritage, Msheireb Properties will maintain its pledge of endowing emerging talent and contributing to strengthening Qatar’s rich cultural fabric through community focused initiatives and partnerships such as ‘Strange Wonders’,” said Ali.

Participating artists include Sara Khalid Al Buainain, Shaika Mahmoud Al Mahmoud, Nathan Ross Davis, Nagiya Moideen, Hadeer Omar, Fleming Jeffries, Othman M.R. Khunji, Dr. Thomas Modeen, Corinna Seto and Annette Wendling-Willeke.  
‘Strange Wonders’ runs at Company House, MDD until January 26.