October 26, 2023 – Shanghai, China, Doha, Qatar: The exhibition "Watering the Desert | Contemporary Art from Qatar" is the first large-scale exhibition of Qatari and Qatar-based contemporary artists to be held in China. Opening at the Yuz Museum in Shanghai. The exhibition is curated by Qatar Museums Group and co-curated by its curators Issa Al Shirawi and Maryam Hassan Al Thani, in collaboration with In cooperation with the Yuz Museum, the masterpieces of 37 artists, designers and filmmakers from Qatar’s art world and various disciplines will be officially exhibited from November 8, 2023 to March 3, 2024. .
Her Highness Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Museums Group, said: "The exhibition "Watering the Desert" " is the culmination of six years of strategic cooperation between the Qatar Museums, the Yuz Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This exhibition combines the sincere efforts of the three partners and highlights the importance of art as a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue and exchange. Shanghai The Yuz Museum is a long-term partner of the Qatar Museums Group, and we are honored to join hands with this famous Chinese institution to showcase and disseminate unique artistic ideas and practices from Qatar. This exhibition brings together the diverse and multi-disciplinary art of many participating artists The creation demonstrates the flourishing global interconnected creative ecosystem nourished by Qatar’s deep artistic roots and fertile soil.”
Justine Alexandria Tek, CEO and Director of the Yuz Museum and Yuz Foundation, also said: “It is an honor to host an exhibition in China by our trusted partner Qatar Museums to provide an in-depth introduction to Qatar’s contemporary art. Sparking dialogue between our different cultures and exploring the historical intersections and mutual influences. The museum's late founder, Mr. Budi Tek, was committed to promoting communication with the world through important art and culture. This exhibition marks an important step in continuing the Yuz Museum’s vision. Building on the long-standing collaboration between the Yuz Museum, Qatar Museums, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, we hope to continue and strengthen this unique and unique relationship through dialogue and projects. A precious bond that, in this new era of globalization, highlights our unique characteristics while exploring our similarities."
"Watering the Desert | Qatar Contemporary Art" builds a bridge between Qatar's traditional practices and modern changes. This exhibition brings together fascinating multidisciplinary works that focus on four interrelated themes: vivid memories of shared experiences, commentary on the complex social dynamics of the concept of home, urban transformation, and the integration of art and the natural environment. The exhibition brings together rich cultural connotations and captures the artistic zeitgeist in Qatar today.
Isa Al-Hirawi, Head of International Exhibitions at Qatar Museums and co-curator of this exhibition, said: “The touring exhibition is a great opportunity to broaden knowledge and clear up misunderstandings, and also to showcase the work of Qatar’s local and international cooperation. An artistic practice that naturally emerges and grows organically over time. Whether they are pioneers, mid-career artists or emerging artists, we are honored to be a global platform for these Qatari artists to showcase their work." Maryam Hassan, other co-curator Al Thani added: “In this exhibition, we explore common themes in contemporary Arab art through a new lens. The Yuz Museum shares our vision for contemporary art and is committed to providing emerging voices in the art world. Provide a platform. The collaboration with the Yuz Museum is of great significance, and we look forward to sharing this precious collaboration with new audiences."
"Watering the Desert | Qatar Contemporary Art" involves multiple collaborations with the Qatar Museums Group and other partner institutions, with the most significant contributions from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) and the Doha Film Institute (DFI). Many of the exhibited works were created by artists from the VCUarts Qatar Creative Research Laboratory, and many of the participating artists have participated in the Fire Station artist residency program founded and operated by the Qatar Museums Group.
The following artists participated in the exhibition: Sebastián Betancur-Montoya, Hassan bin Mohammed Al Thani, Noura · Noora Al Hardan, Hadeer Omar, Michael Hersurd, Simone Muscolino, Sophia Al Sophia Al Maria, Mubarak Nasser Al Thani, Markus Elblaus, Maryam Al Homaid), Noor Abuissa, Salman Al Malik, Bouthayna Al Muftah, Abdulrahman ·Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Aisha Al Sowaidi, Hana Al Saadi, Ghada Al Khater , Yousef Ahmad Al Homaid, Christto Andrew, Giovanni Inella, Hala Amir Amer), Saga Elkabbash, Levi Hammett, George Paul, Anfal Al Kandari, Al Alya Al Khalifa, Guillaume Rousere, Naila Al Thani, Amena Al Yousef Amena Al Yousef, Saida Al Khulaifi, Water with Water: Nathan Davis and Sarah Elawad , (None)>Tangible Lab ((IN)>Tangible Lab): Sara Al Naimi, Maha Al Marri, by Latifa Al Latifa Al Ali, Alanood Al Thani and Natasha Fernandez participated in research and design, and was designed by Astrid Kensinger, Mayssa Al Mumin, Guillaume Rousselet, Alaa Albarazy, Dr. Aspa Chatziefthimiou ), Raviv Cohen, Shaima Sherif, David Mathew, Basma Hamdy and Nishi Raffoul Nishi Rafols for film, sound and other support and guidance, Shaima Al Tamimi, Mariam Salim, Majid Al Remaihi), Amal Al Muftah, Jassim Al Rumaihi.
The exhibition "Watering the Desert | Qatar Contemporary Art" is one of the projects established in 2019 as a partnership between the Qatar Museums, the Yuz Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This collaboration is dedicated to the joint development and sharing of exhibitions and cultural projects between three well-known institutions, and the creation of multi-location touring exhibition projects that are truly based on a global perspective. This exhibition fully embodies the spirit of international cooperation, builds a bridge of cultural communication, and promotes art appreciation on a truly global scale.
In addition, the exhibition "Watering the Desert" is not only a vibrant celebration of Qatar's contemporary art, but also an important witness to the legacy of the "Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture". The China-Qatar Cultural Year is a major cultural milestone and has laid a solid foundation for promoting cultural exchanges and artistic cooperation between China and Qatar. This exhibition represents that international cultural exchanges continue to flourish, building bridges between countries and promoting appreciation of global art and culture.
