QM initiatives promote Qatari talent, says noted artist
Staff Reporter
The various Qatar Museums (QM) initiatives provided a huge opportunity for Qatari artists to enhance and develop their skills amid a series of challenges, including the onslaught of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, artist and IT engineer Muna al-Bader has said.
“Qatar Museum has supported Qatari artists a lot, and in the previous years we saw a huge development in the art sector in Qatar, especially with the different programmes that they are initiating,” the renowned artist told Gulf
Times on the sidelines of a recently-held event with Maserati at its showroom at the PearlQatar.
Her collection, The Great Blue, along with Maserati masterpieces, were showcased in what was described as “an evening of luxury, art, and extravagance”.
The artist lauded the QM for its initiatives, such as the Artist in Residence in Paris and New York, aimed at nurturing the next generation of artistic talents, especially women.
Al-Bader said that she was one of the artists who have been selected in the latest edition of the QM’s Artist in Residence programme at the Doha Fire Station, and plans to apply for the QM’s international arts residency.
“When I was chosen to join this programme, I was too happy because I’ll be able to share my experience with other artists, and at the same time, gain experience from others since we are located in one building, which is accessible 24 hours,” she said. “It is really an opportunity for me, especially the programme was extended for one and a half year (because of pandemic).”
Al-Bader noted that QM programmes serve as platforms for new and emerging artists in Qatar, including women, to showcase their works in the local, regional, and international stage.
“They are now having their own exhibitions outside Qatar, representing the country in international events and exhibitions,” al-Bader stressed. “I see a lot of difference since, let’s say 20 or 25 years ago, especially with the establishment of the QM.”
She will be joining seven other Qatar-based artists (mostly women) – Mashael Hejazi, Naima al-Hail, Ali al-Kuwari, Zainab al-Shibani, Salha al-Subaie, Ahmed al-Ali, and Nouf alMuraikhi – on a seven-day trip to Istanbul this year.
It is part of the annual initiative, Ektashif 2, hosted in collaboration with “Doha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021” and the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
“There, we will learn a lot of techniques on Islamic patterns, paintings on glass, and different art techniques,” al-Bader noted, adding that she will also be taking part in a “Qatar – USA Year of Culture” event in the US next month, where she will create a mural in Houston.
“This is all initiated and supported by the QM,” she added.