HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani led the launching of the second Mal Lawal – Biennale exhibition at the Doha Exhibition Centre (DEC) on Monday.
HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari, Qatar Museums (QM) deputy chairman of the Board of Trustees Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali al-Thani, government officials and other guests also attended the opening. A number of cultural performances by groups of children were staged on the occasion.
A one-of-its-kind in the region, Mal Lawal, meaning “from the old days,” features around 4,000 rare collections gathered by more than 110 Qatari private collectors and 42 from the wider GCC region.
The exhibition, which will run until February 28, 2015, is organised by QM under the patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. The initiative is made possible under the guidance and leadership of HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of QM.
“The event is a unique showcase of private collections which blends heritage and culture, and celebrates historically and socially significant objects and antiques,” QM said in a statement.
Following the success of the first event in September 2012, the much-anticipated biennale has grown in size and scale. It now occupies more than 8,000 sqm at the DEC.
Organised into nine categories, most of the collections on display include manuscripts, weapons, Islamic collections, old maps, ethnographic/heritage items, antiquities, jewellery, clothing and accessories, and other rare items from Qatar and the rest of the GCC.
This year, a number of new elements have been introduced to the programme to make the event even bigger and more extraordinary.
Four Majilis settings will give visitors an intimate glimpse into the heart of a traditional Qatari home. Specially-created live video links will deliver a virtual experience of eight “home museums” and their private collections of unparalleled quality.
More than 100 “oral histories” captured in mini-films will document and celebrate the memories and observations of venerable Qatari elders.
The biennial design has also been conceived to be as family friendly as possible, setting up a food court, series of cafes serving traditional Qatari dishes, and a specially-created children’s area with a movable cinema installation.
Inspired by the traditional streets, villages and avenues of old Qatar, or “Al Fergan”, the walls of the exhibition are shaped as arcs extending in some cases to 40m to accommodate the many thousands of pieces.
“We are delighted to present the second edition of Mal Lawal this year, which launches in conjunction with Qatar National Day celebrations and highlights Qatar’s unique heritage,” said Sheikh Hassan.
“By raising awareness of such objects’ importance and instilling a love of preserving their historical, social and cultural worth, Mal Lawal perfectly encapsulates Qatar Museum’s strategy of focusing on art, creativity and heritage to honour the traditions of the past whilst embracing the future,” Sheikh Hassan noted.
Nasser al-Hammadi, Mal Lawal biennial chairman and curator, hopes the exhibition strengthens the spirit of national participation.
“It is the ideal initiative to promote a passion for collecting antiques and artefacts, particularly for the next generation,” he said. “We hope it will ignite renewed interest in linking the riches of our past with a fast-evolving present, as well as paving the way to our future.”
Stephen Kelly, president and general manager of Oxy Qatar (main sponsor of Mal Lawal biennial) said the uniqueness of the artefacts displayed at the exhibition allow people to learn about Qatar and the region’s traditions by taking them on a journey through time and history.
“We hope the unique sense of engagement and community that Mal Lawal creates will further enhance public awareness and appreciation of local art and cultural heritage, particularly among the younger generation in Qatar,” he stressed.
