A brass Qibla Indicator, Safavid, Iran (Isfahan), late 17th century, signed ‘Abd al-A’imma.
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) has announced its forthcoming exhibition, Haj-The Journey Through Art in its special exhibition gallery, to be shown alongside an outdoor photography exhibition.
The exhibition, which opens to the public on October 9, takes place in collaboration with the British Museum, London. It is based on the concept and exhibition of Haj - Journey to the heart of Islam, which was held at the British Museum in 2012.
Haj- The Journey Through Art is the first exhibition of its kind to be held in a Muslim country, celebrating and illuminating the pilgrimage through art and artifact. Although the concept of the exhibition is based on the British Museum’s earlier showcase, it is unique in that 90% of the objects to be exhibited are from Qatari collections.
The MIA exhibition aims to highlight, through art, one of the five pillars of Islam – Haj. It explores the history of the pilgrimage over the centuries, bringing together a rich and varied collection that focuses on three main themes: the routes taken by pilgrims (with a special section on the oral histories and objects of Qatari pilgrims), the rituals of Haj as depicted through art, and the experience of the pilgrims after completion of Haj, including gifts and souvenirs brought back from Mecca. In keeping with the exhibition’s local theme, MIA has asked the residents of Qatar, whether nationals or expats, to contribute their own souvenirs, gifts or objects related to Haj. By lending the museum their Haj memorabilia, local communities will effectively be sharing their own experiences of the journey and offer a Qatari perspective.
The holy pilgrimage of Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is considered a rite required of all Muslims who are physically and financially able. The pilgrimage holds special significance to Muslims across the globe and attracts pilgrims in their millions every year.
Curated by Dr Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya (MIA Curator of Manuscripts) in association with Dr Cécile Bresc (MIA Curator of Coins), Haj -The Journey Through Art, a part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture, takes the visitor on an exciting exploration of Haj through the art collections of Qatar, including a number of significant public and private collections, many of which have never before been displayed.
A photography exhibition - running parallel to the main exhibition - will feature the works of five international photographers: Peter Sanders (Britain), Reem al-Faisal (Saudi Arabia), Kayuzoshi Nomachi (Japan), Juliette Sawyers (Australia) and Khalifa al-Obaidly (Qatar), all of whom offer unique visions of Haj through their own experiences of the pilgrimage.
Haj -The Journey Through Art will be supported by a full educational programme that will include calligraphy, embroidery and painting workshops for children and families, as well as public lectures from scholars and several contemporary artists whose works are featured in the exhibition. Published as an album, the catalogue of the exhibition will focus on Qatari collections and the three themes of the exhibition.