From left: Simon Mortimer with one of his artworks at his “Doha Days” paintings exhibition at Mondrian Doha; One of the artworks on display at the exhibition.
The vibrant and enchanting city of Doha has come alive on the canvas as the “Doha Days” painting exhibition opened on Tuesday at Mondrian Doha.
The 13 artworks made by Visual artist and currently an Artist in Residence at the Fire Station, Simon Mortimer pays homage to the captivating essence of everyday life in Doha, capturing the city’s dynamic spirit, and rich culture, to the more mundane objects such as road signs and refuse bins.
“It’s celebrating the everyday life in Doha, I combine images that I see every day – from the beautiful Arabic writings, logos, beautiful images, and road signs and combine them with different media, some modern like spray painting and traditional like an oil painting. It’s a big mix like the diversity that there is in Doha,” said Mortimer to The Peninsula.
Fire Station Director Khalifa Al Obaidly meanwhile told The Peninsula that showcasing artworks outside galleries is among their goals in bringing art to “different segments, to art organisations, hotels, and private sector. Our aim is to share these artistic images and beautiful work with the city and people.”
For several years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fire Station and Mondrian Doha collaborated on a cultural effort aimed at boosting Qatar’s diverse art scene, according to Al Obaidly.
The exhibition is Mortimer’s first solo exhibition in the country, and during the opening, he also did a live painting which is also a first for him. “I’m really excited about this exhibition, it’s great, I love the space and the colours of the paintings really bounced off on the bright white room.”
“Doha Days” is open to the public and will run until May 31, from 2pm to 7pm located at the Frozen Forest of the hotel. The event is in collaboration with Qatar Museums, Fire Station, and Mondrian Doha.
Mortimer has been an artist all his life, and his work tackles the concepts of culture and misconception via the juxtaposition of common imagery and words. He employs a layering approach and generates texture using a variety of substances and mark-making equipment.
Aside from Qatar, he has also exhibited in Europe, Asia, and other countries in the Middle East.
