Qatar Reads, an initiative under the Qatar National Library (QNL), and M7 have launched the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 to illustrate the book Maqamat Al-Hariri in diverse artistic formats.
Held in Msheireb M7, Qatar’s epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech, the exhibition expands the life of literature to connect and inform community members about our past as a source of cultural and creative innovation.
The exhibition, which runs until September 20, is part of “One Book, One Doha”, Qatar Reads' annual reading campaign that brings community members together in a shared reading experience.
Each year a book from Arabic literature is selected, inviting everyone to read, reflect and engage through a variety of campaign activities.
A total of 30 artists and fashion designers are participating in reviving the content of this Arabic literary masterpiece.
The exhibition includes canvas works, installations and fashion designs that were produced by 13 Qatari artists and 17 international artists.
Thirty-two artistic and creative works are on display, in addition to eight fashion pieces to celebrate the power of literature and timeless wisdom.
In this art exhibition, artists and collaborators bring a fresh visual perspective that infuses the narrative with a creative spirit and artistic depth.
This enriches the book's content and transforms it into a multi-dimensional experience.
Through their original contributions, the artists reimagine the text, broadening its scope and adding new levels of meaning.
The exhibition is not just a representation of the book, it celebrates the creative added value brought by each participating artist, turning the literary work into a vibrant space for dialogue where words and images come together in a harmony worth exploring.
HE the Minister of State and QNL president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari said: “It is a true honour to present this magnificent artistic experience that can enable the society to learn and discover new meanings.”
“The art exhibition emphasises our role at the QNL – thus expanding our efforts beyond the bookshelves,” he said. “It builds on our heritage and literature to promote imagination and creativity, culturally and technologically.”
“We always aim to present our history in new, engaging ways to help the new generations absorb wisdom and build on a solid foundation where they can find engaging topics in old books,” HE Dr al-Kawari added. “This exhibition encourages members of the community to engage with literature in different ways, which means leveraging the power of reading to cultivate a reading culture within the community.”
“By merging literacy initiatives with art and fashion, the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 demonstrates that reading is part of our future-oriented vision – fueling creativity, collaboration and cultural dialogue,” he concluded.
“When we selected Maqamat Al-Hariri as Book of the Year, it was based on our conviction that its themes would resonate widely across all segments of the community,” said Qatar Reads manager Fatema al-Malki, said. “We are proud of this interactive experience, which highlights art and fashion as powerful tools to reinforce the role of literature in our society, fostering creativity, innovation and cultural enrichment.”
