Participants during the ‘Words Bridge Between Arabic and Spanish’ exhibition.
Doha, Qatar: The Mexican Embassy in Qatar recently inaugurated the exhibition, “Words Bridge Between Arabic and Spanish.” Showcasing an eclectic collection of artworks including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and photographs, the exhibition aims to foster cultural exchange and celebrate the shared beauty, landscapes, and traditions of Mexico and Qatar.
The participating artists, hailing from Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, and Qatar, among others, expertly captured the essence of the two countries, encompassing diverse themes such as calligraphy, cuisine, nature, and heritage.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar, H E Guillermo Ordorica, emphasised the significance of highlighting Arabic and Spanish languages. He dispelled the misconception that Mexico and Qatar are distant nations with little in common, stressing that the two cultures share similarities in behaviour, happiness, and common sense.
Notably, Spanish has inherited numerous words from Arabic, underscoring the historical connection between Mexico and Qatar through language, the envoy stressed.
“Through language, Spanish and Arabic, Mexico and Qatar are very close, that’s why we are doing this.”
Ambassador Ordorica further revealed plans for similar exhibitions in the future in the country, aimed at expanding cultural outreach.
He explained that combining painting, culture, and literature, with a touch of poetry, the exhibition uniquely conveyed emotions, worldview, and values through the powerful medium of art.
“I can tell you that this event is a success, there’s a lot people out there and are very happy because this is an exhibition that combines painting, culture and literature, in this case, poetry. In different ways, all expressing through art, emotions, our sense of the world, our values, so it’s important to underline that this exhibition present itself as very attractive for local people.”
At the heart of the exhibition stands the centrepiece artwork, “Oryx.” Created collaboratively by Rodrigo Solorzano from Mexico and Haifa Alkhuzai from Qatar, the sculpture depicts an Arabian woman clad in an abaya and batoola. Crafted from steel with an electrostatic polyester coating, the artwork features acrylic intervention.
Among the standout pieces are three paintings - “Flamenco,” “Gibraltar,” and “Alhambra” - all masterpieces by Chilean artist Fernando Jaramillo Lecaros. The exhibition also showcases breathtaking photographs captured by Jose Alejandro Valenzuela Reyes and Juan Miguel Ramirez “Icaro,” both hailing from Mexico.
In addition to the captivating visual display, the event featured a poetry reading in both Spanish and Arabic languages, beautifully presented by artists and the embassy staff.
The “Words Bridge Between Arabic and Spanish” exhibition is set to open its doors to the public next month. However, interested individuals are currently required to schedule appointments by contacting the Embassy of Mexico beforehand at 4450 8000.
