The “Nuovo Paesaggio (New Landscapes)” exhibition at M7 presents Italian artist Quayola’s work as a "perfect match" for Doha, as it bridges past and future much like the city itself, according to curator Claudio Composti.
Speaking to *Gulf Times, he said that the exhibition, featuring pieces that appear as paintings or photographs but are created using advanced contemporary technologies, aims to resonate deeply with a city known for its rapid development while honouring its rich history.
Composti noted Doha’s unique position as “a city that is very contemporary that has these amazing museums where they show their ancient culture and tradition”.
The exhibition, presented by the Italian embassy in Doha in collaboration with Fondazione AGO – Modena Fabbriche Culturali and supported by the Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity of the Italian ministry of culture, is on view at M7 (first floor) until July 19.
Composti noted that Quayola is the ideal artist for the Doha exhibition, as his work’s ability to bridge the past with the future mirrors how Doha itself has evolved and shaped its distinctive cityscape.
He added that the renowned Italian artist achieves this bridge by utilising contemporary technologies such as 3D laser scanning and specialised video recording.
He said New Landscapes also prompts a broader discussion on the nature of art in the digital age, suggesting that works like Quayola’s, which skillfully use machines and technology, challenge traditional definitions, particularly of photography.
“Photography literally means ‘written by light’, and out of the film, we cannot call photography,” he said. “So the point is, why we continue to describe it as photography only? Maybe it’s an image printed on paper, but it's done and created with a very contemporary and futuristic technologies.”
Composti proposed that this evolution might require new vocabulary.
“Maybe we have to create not only a new landscape but a new word ... we define where art is today, and which tools we have – or the artist has – to create art.”
Claudio Composti
