Leading contemporary Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is coming to Doha this week to experience the country’s flourishing arts and culture scene, Qatar Museums (QM) announced yesterday.
“His visit is further evidence of Qatar’s progress as a leading creative and artistic hub that attracts renowned artists from around the world,” QM said in a statement.
“It also highlights Qatar Museums’ commitment to bringing established creative figures to the country to inspire future generations of indigenous talent.”
During his time in Qatar, Ai Weiwei will visit several of Qatar’s most prominent and significant arts and culture destinations including the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and QM Gallery Katara and meet with senior QM representatives.
In addition, he will explore many of the country’s most notable and recognisable public art projects, including the striking sculpture East-West / West-East by Richard Serra, located near Zekreet.
As part of his visit, tomorrow Ai Weiwei will be giving a public talk, open for all to attend, in the auditorium at the MIA at 6pm, alongside Swiss businessman, diplomat and art collector, Uli Sigg. The talk will be moderated by art expert and curator Tom Eccles, executive director of the Center for Curatorial Studies and the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College. During the talk, Ai Weiwei will discuss the transformation of his artistic production and Uli Sigg will touch on the importance of collectors and museum donations.
Ai Weiwei is also expected to meet with young and aspiring artists during his stay, including several residents at the Fire Station: Artist in Residence Programme.
This will provide the ideal opportunity for artists to discuss the creative process and explore different techniques with a hugely experienced and established artistic figure.
Khalid Yousef al-Ibrahim, chief strategic planning Officer at Qatar Museums said: “Ai Weiwei’s visit furthers our aim at Qatar Museums of bringing international artists to Doha to inspire an indigenous culture of creativity and innovation, and foster an existing culture of artistic appreciation and participation in Qatar.”
Ai Weiwei has a long and established career as a contemporary artist. He resides and works in both Berlin and Beijing.
Ai studied animation at the Beijing Film Academy, then studied art in New York in the early ’80s. Upon returning to China a decade later, Ai advocated for experimental artists by publishing underground books and curating avant-garde exhibitions. He has worked in many media, including sculpture, installation, photography, architecture and film.
His work has featured in leading galleries and museums around the world including Tate Modern London, Haines Gallery San Francisco, Lisson Gallery Milan and National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.
Visiting Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has a long and established career as a contemporary artist. He resides and works in both Berlin and Beijing.
