LatinoAmericano Exhibition forges cultural bonds, lauded by ambassadors

Qatar is cementing its position as a global cultural hub through exhibitions such as “LatinoAmericano” – lauded by ambassadors – for its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and showcasing the region’s vibrant artistic heritage at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ).

An expansive showcase of Latin American art, the “LatinoAmericano: Modern and Contemporary Art from Malba and Eduardo Costantini Collections” is a significant collaboration between Qatar Museums (QM) and the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (Malba).

Featuring approximately 170 works by more than 100 pioneering and contemporary artists from across Latin America – including iconic pieces by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Wifredo Lam, Fernando Botero, and Antonio Berni – the exhibition is on view until July 19.

Argentine ambassador Guillermo Nicolas expressed immense pride following his visit at the exhibition.

“I am not exaggerating when I say this is Argentina's fourth star,” he said.

He highlighted the exhibition’s magnitude as part of the Qatar – Argentina and Chile Year of Culture 2025, noting it is the first time such a large-scale collection of Latin American modern and contemporary art has been displayed in Doha.

The envoy lauded the NMoQ as an “iconic masterpiece” that vividly reveals Qatar’s heritage and culture.

The exhibition’s narrative is thoughtfully organised around distinct cores, exploring artists’ ties to European modernism, 20th-century urbanisation, the politicisation of art in the 1960s, and the political tragedies of the continent in the 1970s.

Nicolas underlined the exhibition’s role in cultural diplomacy, saying: “The exhibition seeks to encourage mutual respect, cross-cultural understanding, and artistic dialogue by connecting diverse traditions and perspectives through art.”

He said that cultural diplomacy, with its emphasis on soft power and people-to-people connections, is a unique player in international relations.

He believes the showcase celebrates the rich complexity of both Qatari and Argentine people.

“There is no doubt that Qatar, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, has cemented its position as a hub for arts and culture in the region, highlighting not only the heritage and tradition of the country, but also the Middle East in general,” Nicolas said, linking the exhibition to enhancing the 51-year-old friendship and co-operation ties between Qatar and Argentina.

Mexican ambassador Guillermo Ordorica spoke of a “feeling of joy and happiness” seeing outstanding works from Latin America, including Mexico, at the NMoQ.

“Being the Museum (that is) one of the most important cultural anchors in the Middle East, it adds value to this exhibition that has been beautifully presented by Malba and Qatar Museums," he said.

Ordorica pointed out that “art offers a privileged tool for a better knowledge of our own respective national cultures”, which in turn leads to stronger bilateral co-operation.

Both envoys agreed on the paramount importance for Latin American countries to have a visible presence in Qatar’s burgeoning cultural landscape.

Ordorica further praised Qatar’s public diplomacy, citing it as “a superb example of how a country can advance its interests through soft power”.

He noted that Qatar’s commitment to arts and culture demonstrates its dedication to tolerance, respect for other cultures, and human rights, making it an ideal platform to project the vigorous diversity of the Latin American and Caribbean region.

“Being under one roof confirms the common cultural and historical heritage of Latin America and the Caribbean,” the Mexican envoy said. “In this way, the Qatari people and international visitors have the chance to envision our region with a comprehensive lens.”

“At the same time, being under one roof is highly symbolic because it reaffirms the notion that culture is not constrained by national boundaries but, all to the contrary, is humankind’s common heritage,” Ordorica said.

According to the organisers, the exhibition, which highlights a prominent theme of the interconnectedness of all living things reflecting indigenous ecological beliefs, also fosters unity within the Latin American community.