A collection of outstanding expression of the Dominican culture is on show in Doha presenting an unforgettable experience of looking at the artistic presentation of the country’s diverse colours.
The ongoing exhibition – the Republic of Color – at Building 47 of Katara presents 25 works produced by as many artists. The show that continues to attract art lovers in Doha provides insight into an insular reality rich in nuances and contents, both individual and collective versions of the Dominican Republic.
In his opening speech, Dr Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo, ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic to Qatar, said he felt delighted to inaugurate the first-ever exhibition from his country.
“I am delighted to be in my favourite place in Qatar – Katara. I feel even better because this time we are opening this first-ever exhibition of 25 Dominican paintings by an equal number of masters.”
The exhibition is curated by artists – Danilo de los Santos, Marianne de Tolentino, Mary Loly de Severino and Myrna Guerrero Villalona. Their first selection of works was proposed late in 2016 for exhibition at the Tate Modern, museum of modern art in London.
The ambassador added: “With my move to Doha, unexpected possibilities were opened up by the existence of generous hosts, fabulous venues and above all a public eager to immerse themselves in the cultural production of other countries. I am very fortunate to have the support of Dr Khaled al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara Cultural Village. I also extend my thanks to Maryam al-Saad, international director of Katara, for supporting this initiative so warmly from day one.”
The artists whose work is on display include; Chassériau, the only Dominican disciple of Ingres; Celeste Woss Y Gil, excellent portraitist and one of the most prominent precursors of feminism; and José Vela Zanetti, the muralist of the UN headquarters in New York.
“Most of the artists were born in the Dominican Republic. Others came fleeing the wars that ravaged their native lands. None could avoid being intoxicated by the Caribbean intensity of our tones, the subtleties of our feelings and the spirits that prevailed during their time in our Republic of Colour” ambassador Federico said.
Covid-19 has forced people to be even more creative. Due to transport restrictions, the works are presented in photographic reproductions printed on canvas at the highest possible resolution.
“I trust that it will be unforgettable to experience this outstanding expression of the Dominican culture, a nation already famous for its music, its landscapes and its protected areas – with more than seven thousand endemic species – its infinite kilometers of white sands bathed by turquoise waters and, above all, its charming people,” the ambassador noted.
He added: “I would like to conclude my remarks by thanking His Excellency Ambassador Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Dominican Republic, and Carmen Heredia de Guerrero, Minister of Culture for the Dominican Republic, for having allowed us to bring this to fruition so soon after the start of the new government of President Luis Abinader Corona, the first descendant of Arab immigrants to reach the constitutional presidency of the Dominican Republic.”
In his opening speech, Dr Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo, ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic to Qatar, said he felt delighted to inaugurate the first-ever exhibition from his country.
“I am delighted to be in my favourite place in Qatar – Katara. I feel even better because this time we are opening this first-ever exhibition of 25 Dominican paintings by an equal number of masters.”
The exhibition is curated by artists – Danilo de los Santos, Marianne de Tolentino, Mary Loly de Severino and Myrna Guerrero Villalona. Their first selection of works was proposed late in 2016 for exhibition at the Tate Modern, museum of modern art in London.
The ambassador added: “With my move to Doha, unexpected possibilities were opened up by the existence of generous hosts, fabulous venues and above all a public eager to immerse themselves in the cultural production of other countries. I am very fortunate to have the support of Dr Khaled al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara Cultural Village. I also extend my thanks to Maryam al-Saad, international director of Katara, for supporting this initiative so warmly from day one.”
The artists whose work is on display include; Chassériau, the only Dominican disciple of Ingres; Celeste Woss Y Gil, excellent portraitist and one of the most prominent precursors of feminism; and José Vela Zanetti, the muralist of the UN headquarters in New York.
“Most of the artists were born in the Dominican Republic. Others came fleeing the wars that ravaged their native lands. None could avoid being intoxicated by the Caribbean intensity of our tones, the subtleties of our feelings and the spirits that prevailed during their time in our Republic of Colour” ambassador Federico said.
Covid-19 has forced people to be even more creative. Due to transport restrictions, the works are presented in photographic reproductions printed on canvas at the highest possible resolution.
“I trust that it will be unforgettable to experience this outstanding expression of the Dominican culture, a nation already famous for its music, its landscapes and its protected areas – with more than seven thousand endemic species – its infinite kilometers of white sands bathed by turquoise waters and, above all, its charming people,” the ambassador noted.
He added: “I would like to conclude my remarks by thanking His Excellency Ambassador Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Dominican Republic, and Carmen Heredia de Guerrero, Minister of Culture for the Dominican Republic, for having allowed us to bring this to fruition so soon after the start of the new government of President Luis Abinader Corona, the first descendant of Arab immigrants to reach the constitutional presidency of the Dominican Republic.”
