Fifteen days before Qatar National Day, Al Markhiya Gallery has unveiled “18” — a group exhibition which puts the spotlight on the work of 18 Qatar-based contemporary artists to mark the annual celebration which falls on December 18. Curated by Qatari artists Fatima Mohammed and Shouq Al Mana, the exhibition, which launched yesterday at Al Markhiya Gallery at the Fire Station, is a stunning display of varied artworks and Qatar’s wealth of unique talents. “”18” exhibition represents 18 artists and the National Day. We chose 18 artists showcasing different talents, young artists embarking together to exhibit their representation of National Day,” Mohammed told The Peninsula, adding the selection was based on the artists’ work pulled together from different mediums.
It is evident that the show has been well-curated with the meticulously chosen artworks included in the collection which displays diverse mediums, styles and subjects, though all unified in celebrating the historic occasion. In “The Celebration”, Qatari independent filmmaker and visual artist Khalifa Al Thani created a movie poster on the National Day he calls “The Celebration of the Year.” The 100cm by 150cm piece never fails to draw visitors’ attention as the poster is placed in an LED frame complete with light bulbs like the ones displayed in cineplexes. Versatile artist Mohammed Al Hammadi, provides a fascinating look into Qatar’s fast-paced progress symbolized by Doha’s breathtaking skyline. His work is 200cm by 50cm digital pixel art titled “Doha Downtown.” Working in mixed media, printmaking and installation art focusing on the changing social anatomy of the Arabian Gulf, Fatima Mohammed is showcasing two paintings based on the fictional character she created she calls ‘Anaj’ which has been the subject of many of her works from paintings to installations to performance.
The two paintings, which look opposite yet complementary in the use of maroon and white colours, “represent society and unity,” she said. Other artists whose works are featured at the show are Aisha Al Fadhala, Alanoud bint Khalid, Almaha Nasser, Ameera Al Aji, Amira Natsheh, Ammar Alqamash, Anfal Al Kandari, Azzam Al Mannai, Bachir Mohamad, Ibrahim Al Baker, Maetha Alkhayarin, Manar Al Muftah, Mubarak Al Malik, Noor Al Thani, and Sumam Azzam. Al Markhiya Gallery also launched this week the second instalment of “Process” exhibition which provides art enthusiasts a look into the development of an artistic concept or work. It features works by Wadha Al Sulaiti, Jameela Al Ansari, Salem Mathkour, and Haitham Al Hamad and runs until January 8 at Katara Art Centre
