Exhibition identity:
Swalif is an Arabic word, particularly from the Gulf region. It suggests, sharing stories and friendly conversations. This was the underlying theme in this exhibition; artworks by Qatari artists that tell a story, from memory to modernity. Through these artworks you get to witness the progression of styles, themes and stories.
The idea of progression and change was reflected in the campaign, where we can see how iconic symbols of this culture might alternate, reform, join, split apart, and create new meanings.
Number of Works: 78: this covers sculpture, ceramics, works on paper and paintings in a variety of media.
Number of artist: 24
Exhibition space needed for full exhibition is 600- 700 square meters
Role in the design:
Design and implementation exhibition with 3 galleries 3 themes and 75 artworks.
Worked with the head advisory curator and curator to create a dynamic story line for the exhibition.
Worked with the communications department to create a cohesive massage and design atheistic for the exhibition.
Contracted and supervised Construction Company to work on turning over galleries between exhibition scope included:
information and signage.
Production of the piece:
Contracted printers to work on providing all exhibition signage needs. Writing and managing scope of work for Installation Company with all exhibitions needs.
Contracted and worked with mounting specialist to work on creating mounts for artwork and installation.
Coordinated with collection management to insure artwork display would be designed according to specification and safety of regulations.
Completion date: August 2011- October 2011
DESCRIPTION:
SECTION 1: First steps (1960s-1980s)
By the 1950s, Qatar’s society and economy were starting to change fundamentally following the discovery of oil. During the 1960s and 70s local artists strove to express Qatari identity in a somewhat idealized way, recording culture and tradition as it once was. However, during this time Qatari artists also began to study abroad and explore cubism, abstraction, expressionism and other artistic modes. The 41 art works in this section include still life and landscape paintings, abstract works, and examples of hurufiyyaat (abstract art based on calligraphic Arabic letterforms).
To fit 40 works in the 1st gallery I had to work with adding more walls and using as much hanging space as possible. I followed the concept of patterns as the identity of the exhibition and played with the geometry to create the a shape the will give me diagonals and interesting corners.
DESCRIPTION:
SECTION 2: Transitions into Modern Art (1980s-1990s)
In the 1980s and 1990s new generations of artists emerged, and some artists began to experiment with a wider variety of techniques and styles. The Qatari government and private sponsors established art centers and activities to encourage travel and the exchange of ideas. The theme of “looking back” did not disappear, but it was expressed differently. The twenty works in this section include prints, pottery, and further examples of hurufiyyaat.
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT:
A public engagement piloted at Mathaf during the Swalif exhibition will be recreated for a London audience. A web structure will be created just outside the gallery onto which people can pin “memory cards.” These cards will be given to visitors to share thoughts inspired by any of the works in the exhibition. Each card includes instructions and the open-ended writing prompt “I want to remember.” Since the idea of memory is such an important component of the exhibition concept, sharing memories of the past with one another can create a more meaningful gallery experience for visitors.
DESCRIPTION:
SECTION 3: Entering the 21st Century (Late 1990s- 2000s)
The most recent works show Qatari artists reconsidering their definitions of art and its purpose in society. Artists conveyed abstract concepts in their work, but also expressed aspects of their immediate surroundings through their choice of palette, materials, and techniques. The 17 works in this section deal with themes of mythology, calligraphy, and artists’ explorations into other fields such as fashion design.
The end of the exhibition has a different impact on the audiences, where they start out warm with memory and slowly transition to modernity with height ceiling gallery and large modern works.
Detail: Showcase
For the ending work we displayed a dress made out of feathers, it is life size and needed to be in cased. I designed a simple customized double-sided 12 mm thick glass case to contain the dress but not hinder the viewer.
Exhibition
