‘Perfect Duet’ art exhibition reflects close Qatar-India ties

An exclusive art exhibition titled ‘Perfect Duet’ by Qatar’s talented artist, Ahmed al-Jufairi and his mother, artist Hanady al-Othman, has opened at the ART29 gallery at W Doha Hotel & Residences, a luxury lifestyle hotel.
The ‘Perfect Duet’ showcases the nexus of mother and son, cultures and histories, India and Qatar, and colours and mediums, according to a statement from W Doha yesterday.
The collection of artworks including work on canvas and sculptures expresses the artistic locus of both al-Jufairi and al-Othman.
Their collective exhibition comprises more than 20 installations based on different mediums of art, such as sculptors, hints of fashion, digital prints, 3D and oil and acrylic paintings.
Al-Jufairi and al-Othman each have a very distinctive interpretation on the Qatar-India artistic message, with al-Othman choosing to celebrate women in a very bright, colourful and empowering paintings, such as one series of paintings entitled ‘She Thought She Could/So She Did’.
This can also be seen as a reflection of al-Othman’s own fortitude, as born with an artistic itch, growing up, she was never presented with the opportunity to express her creativity through art as this was deemed not to be an ‘acceptable’ life choice.
Thus, the opening reception for the month long exhibition, which was held on July 27, is the much overdue recognition of al-Othman’s talent.
Indian ambassador to Qatar P Kumaran said during the opening night: “The vibrant expression of this union between India and Qatar, nourished over centuries of trade and cultural links, has been interpreted and expressed by both artists Ahmed al-Jufairi and his mother Hanady al-Othman and highlights, with a warm sentimentality, the artistic interchange between our two cultures.”
Also in attendance on the opening night were ambassador’s and dignitaries, Peru’s deputy chief of mission, Oswaldo Daneri, DPS-MIS vice-president and Indian Business and Professional Council in Qatar secretary-general Yasir Nainar, Unesco Doha Office director Dr Anna Paolini, as well as media and a host of art lovers and supporters to mark this innovative collaboration.
“I am excited to display my latest work here at Art29. However, it is even more of an exciting moment this time round as I am proudly standing with my mother who not only is my inspiration, but also my artistic mentor, and a revered artist in her own standing,” al-Jufairi said on the opening night.
The ‘Perfect Duet’ exhibition gives al-Othman the platform to express her artistic flair, and with W Doha continually seeking to support fresh talents such as al-Jufairi, the hotel’s Art29, is the ideal gallery location to present such a contemporary and forward-thinking event.
W Doha general manager Wassim Daaje said: “It is another exciting time for W Doha and ART29 as we provide a creative space for the most heartfelt duo – mother and son, to showcase their work to the local community. Their undeniable connection and passion is clearly evident through their art, and truly shows their passion to communicate with people through their artistic pieces.”
Al-Othman went on to say that ‘this is my first exhibition, and I want to use this to show that it is never too late to make your dreams come true’.
The exhibition is open to the public until August 27, from 10am-10pm daily.