The Doha Fire Station has unveiled five emotive artworks produced by citizens and residents as part of Qatar Museums’ (QM) ‘100 days of blockade’ art initiative.
The artworks, showcased on the facade of the Fire Station building, reflect each of the artists’ personal take on the economic blockade imposed on Qatar by the Saudi-led bloc.
The medium of choice was graffiti, evoking its origins as a form of activism and self-expression, which is easily accessible by the broader community.
The artists involved in this initiative are Mubarak AlMalik, Ali al-Kuwari, Dimitrje Bugarski, Thamer Mesfer and Assil Diab.
Each artist produced an artwork which highlighted an aspect of the blockade, resulting in a series of outdoor installations that tell the story of the blockade to audiences in the most creative manner.
“Artists are always inspired by their environment, they’re typically moved by a significant moment or event, such as the one we’re all experiencing now -- the unfair blockade on Qatar,” Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidly said in a statement.
Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidly and QM CEO Mansour bin Ibrahim al-Mahmoud at the unveiling of ‘100 days of blockade’ art initiative.
“These five talented artists used their creativity to produce fantastic works that best express how they feel about the present political situation, through an art form driven by the need to speak out and share one’s opinions in expressive and accessible ways,” he added.
According to QM, these five artworks represent the first stage of the ‘100 days of blockade’ initiative, launched by QM under the patronage of its Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
The initiative provides an opportunity for those living in Qatar to express their feelings on the blockade through creative means. As part of the second phase of the initiative, QM is currently accepting proposals from Qatar-based artists who want to submit an artwork that showcases their support for the country during this historical time.
Following the September 15 deadline, selected artists will get the chance to produce a mural on a bridge, tunnel or wall within the country.
A judging committee, with members from the Fire Station and Ashghal, the Public Works Authority of Qatar, will convene to select the best proposals, which will then be showcased throughout the country.
Such initiative comes as part of QM’s commitment to inspire and nurture talented artists, as well as support and celebrate the nation’s unity through art.
The medium of choice was graffiti, evoking its origins as a form of activism and self-expression, which is easily accessible by the broader community.
The artists involved in this initiative are Mubarak AlMalik, Ali al-Kuwari, Dimitrje Bugarski, Thamer Mesfer and Assil Diab.
Each artist produced an artwork which highlighted an aspect of the blockade, resulting in a series of outdoor installations that tell the story of the blockade to audiences in the most creative manner.
“Artists are always inspired by their environment, they’re typically moved by a significant moment or event, such as the one we’re all experiencing now -- the unfair blockade on Qatar,” Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidly said in a statement.
Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidly and QM CEO Mansour bin Ibrahim al-Mahmoud at the unveiling of ‘100 days of blockade’ art initiative.
“These five talented artists used their creativity to produce fantastic works that best express how they feel about the present political situation, through an art form driven by the need to speak out and share one’s opinions in expressive and accessible ways,” he added.
According to QM, these five artworks represent the first stage of the ‘100 days of blockade’ initiative, launched by QM under the patronage of its Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
The initiative provides an opportunity for those living in Qatar to express their feelings on the blockade through creative means. As part of the second phase of the initiative, QM is currently accepting proposals from Qatar-based artists who want to submit an artwork that showcases their support for the country during this historical time.
Following the September 15 deadline, selected artists will get the chance to produce a mural on a bridge, tunnel or wall within the country.
A judging committee, with members from the Fire Station and Ashghal, the Public Works Authority of Qatar, will convene to select the best proposals, which will then be showcased throughout the country.
Such initiative comes as part of QM’s commitment to inspire and nurture talented artists, as well as support and celebrate the nation’s unity through art.
