Art Basel Qatar Establishes New Presence in Middle Eastern Art Scene

Doha Hosts First-Ever Art Basel Qatar

The inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar opened its doors in Doha this week, featuring an exhibition-style art fair and a series of talks by prominent voices. The event took place at the M7 Msheireb Cultural Forum, with multiple galleries showcasing works from renowned artists across various mediums.

The fair featured a diverse range of artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Shirin Neshat, and others. South African artist Sumayya Vally created an interactive installation in the opulent courtyard, leading to Doha’s Design District.

Local Qatari artist Aisha Ahmad expressed her excitement at having the opportunity to view works by international artists in her own country. “It’s exciting for the locals and amazing to see people from different countries,” she said.

Artistic director Wael Shawky designed the exhibit with a focus on representation, featuring half of the artists from the Global South, particularly the Middle East. The event departed from the traditional booth-like format, allowing art connoisseurs and buyers to view multiple pieces from the same artist for purchase.

Pakistani diaspora artist Aiza Ahmed had an entire corner set aside for her work, showcasing free-flowing muslin cloth mixed-media paintings of larger-than-life men in various uniforms. She praised Shawky’s direction, saying it gave her space to fine-tune her exhibit and create works that resonate with people from her part of the world.

Palestinian artist Khalil Rabah had an installation in the landing of Doha Design District, featuring found objects and discarded materials transformed into sculpture-like forms representing uprooting, survival, and reinvention. Visitors Loujain and Aalia from Bahrain expressed their appreciation for seeing representation of regional and international artists, stating that they believe local and regional artists deserve a platform to showcase their skills and stories.

The event marked the fifth edition in Art Basel’s calendar, following prestigious fairs in Paris, Hong Kong, Miami, and other locations.

Source: Al Jazeera