Acclaimed Qatari artist Bouthayna al-Muftah highlighted the power of art in fostering dialogue and cultural exchange at the recently held Doha Forum, citing the transformative impact of artistic expression in connecting diverse audiences.

Drawing from her collaborative experiences with Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, al-Muftah noted that her first immersive installation, ‘Echoes’, debuted in the museum’s project space, saying: “It was a very nice exchange of knowledge between artist and curator,” she pointed out. “They learned about my work, and I learned from them, especially in creating my first immersive installation”.

She said “Echoes”, which debuted at Mathaf in 2018, explores human interaction amidst rapid technological advancements.

The international reach of al-Muftah’s work was further underscored by Echoes’ inclusion in the “Our World is Burning” exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. This international exposure, she noted, allowed her to share a piece of Qatari culture with a global audience, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

At the panel discussion “Promoting Dialogue and Diversity Through Art,” she discussed how partnerships with museums, especially with Mathaf, influenced her artistic vision and broadened her understanding of art’s impact. Echoes served as a main example, inviting viewers to step into the artwork and leave their own mark.

The exhibition, deeply rooted in personal memories and family stories, incorporated Arabic script and mirrors, creating a reflective experience that blended personal narrative with shared cultural memory.

Al-Muftah’s “Aubusson Tapestry” project, part of the Qatar – France Year of Culture 2020, saw her combining traditional Qatari textile traditions with the renowned French tapestry techniques of Aubusson.

“This was the same with the ‘Aubusson Tapestry’ (project) that I spoke about before. It brings forgotten narratives from my art and combining it with traditional craftsmanship in the tapestry, it’s a really nice way of curating this cultural diplomacy,” she said.

A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, al-Muftah has developed a multidisciplinary approach that includes printmaking, typography, drawing, and bookbinding. Al-Muftah said her work often integrates Qatari oral traditions and collective memory, with Arabic script playing a central role but not always in the literal form. She added that her use of script evolves beyond calligraphy into typographic expressions, rooted in journaling and archival practices.

Some of al-Muftah’s notable works like Um al Salasil Wil Thahab, a portrait series depicting life in Qatari neighbourhoods, and her bookbinding projects further showcase her dedication to preserving and reimagining cultural traditions (Source: Mathaf).