Art and culture are an integral part of any modern society. It plays an active role in shaping the future citizens by opening their horizons to different narratives, opinions and way of lives.
It offers a window to the world and helps comprehend the various threads of thoughts. It provides opportunities to exchange ideas and appreciate cultural nuances, which in turn help to remove frictions between societies around the world.
Like any other modern nation, Qatar has also invested heavily in art and culture through building world-class museums designed by iconic architects housing some of the rarest and priceless artifacts.
The Museum of Islamic Art is a fine example for this. The stunning structure designed by I M Pei is in itself an artwork in its most elegant form. It houses the most expansive and varied collection of Islamic artefacts from around the world and this makes it one of the topmost museums in the world.
By opening a museum for modern art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Qatar has shown its willingness to promote and engage new and contemporary artforms and artists.
Currently, they are hosting two exhibitions celebrating Indian art, including one by the renowned artist late M F Husain. Showcasing Husain’s work, spanning six decades, is a treat for art lovers and a great learning opportunity for students.
M. F. Husain: Horses Of The Sun displays 100 works by one of the greatest artists to come out of India, who is considered a founding member of Indian modernism. The exhibition will show us how the style and subject of his paintings evolved over time.
The cultural landscape of Qatar will get a major boost next week when the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) opens its door on March 28.
Like Qatar Museums Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said in a tweet “The Desert Rose blooms in Doha soon.”
NMoQ will bring the unique story of Qatar and its people to the world. “Sharing the nation’s stories of resilience and dynamism with the world,” as Sheikha Al Mayassa said will be the main objective of the museum.
Inspired by the complex form of the desert rose, found in Qatar’s arid desert regions, by French architect Jean Nouvel, this will be a house to preserve the traditions of the country and its people.
Sheikha Al Mayassa’s words aptly described it: “The National Museum of Qatar is the physical manifestation of Qatar’s proud identity, connecting the country’s history with its diverse and cosmopolitan present. It will reflect a part of every Qatari’s life, representing our roots and identity.”
