Three 135 degree Angles (2005) by Mehdi Moutashar.
Doha, Qatar: The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Qatar opened yesterday four exhibitions, each providing a unique perspective on the diverse and vibrant world of contemporary art across the Arab region.
Director of Mathaf, Zeina Arida, during the opening highlighted the importance of these displays in capturing the essence of the contemporary Arab art scene. She mentioned that these exhibitions serve as a sample, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of art in the Arab world, from its roots to modern interpretations.
Arida emphasised the continuity of art in the region and its role in preserving the heritage and identity of the Arab world while pushing the boundaries of modern and contemporary art. She commended the artists for their inspiring creations that underscore the exceptional creativity and talent within the region. “These shows represent four different ways to delve into the ever-present themes of heritage and identity while continuing to reimagine what modern and contemporary Arab art can be.”
The four exhibitions, which will remain open to the public until March 5, 2024, are titled: “Mehdi Moutashar: Introspection as Resistance,” “Distilled Lessons: Abstraction in Arab Modernism,” “Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project,” and “De/Constructed Meanings.”
“Mehdi Moutashar: Introspection as Resistance” offers a collection of artworks by renowned Iraqi artist Mehdi Moutashar. This marks his first solo exhibition in Qatar and in the region in nearly half a century. The exhibit challenges conventional Western classifications of Moutashar’s work as Abstraction, Minimalism, or Op-Art, showcasing more than 25 artworks created over five decades. These artist uses Arabic calligraphy and ornamental patterns and celebrate the endless potential of its geometry.
“Distilled Lessons: Abstraction in Arab Modernism” delves into how Arab artists have uniquely utilised abstraction. The exhibition highlights how these artists have drawn inspiration from the rich heritage of the Arab-Muslim world, particularly calligraphy and ornamentation. The show includes works by prominent artists from the region.
“Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project,” curated by Lebanese multidisciplinary artist Abed Al Kadiri, explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through a creative archive of responses. Artists from 22 cities worldwide contributed to this project, creating 59 handmade books that reflect the polarities of this unique moment in history. Inspired by a quote from artist John Baldessari on the difficulty of mailing a painting, Al Kadiri mailed books to artists in 22 cities around the world to solicit their artistic expressions.
And, “De/Constructed Meanings” is an experimental installation that uses programmed coding to write on sand, inspired by the theories of Jacques Derrida. It examines the evolving interpretations of Arabic script throughout history, reflecting on postcolonial culture in the Arab region.
The exhibitions are free of charge and a ticket is required to book via Qatar Museums’ website prior to visiting.
