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Exhibitions

Within our walls here at QAIC’s headquarters, there are several gallery spaces that host and feature a wide variety of art and creative displays from various mediums and a diverse selection of artists. Some of the galleries focus on more traditional artwork and artifacts from the Arab and Islamic worlds, while others feature contemporary exhibitions from established or emerging artists and creatives from both the United States and Qatar. Throughout 2021, QAIC hosted five exhibitions at its DC headquarters.

TRANSCENDENT TEXT: EXPLORING UNIVERSAL VALUES THROUGH ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY:

In July 2021, QAIC concluded the “Transcendent Text: Exploring Universal Values Through Islamic Calligraphy” exhibition which featured works by master calligrapher Sabah Arbilli. Held in partnership with the National Human Rights Committee in Qatar, this 20-piece exhibit was on display for public (and virtual) viewing since December 2020. Having been launched in the middle of the pandemic, the exhibition was restricted to viewing via private tours or a virtual gallery; however, despite this, over 50 guests took the opportunity to tour the “Transcendent Text” exhibition. In addition, QAIC hosted its first “InstaMeet” on February 26 which invited local photographers and social media influencers to privately tour the exhibition.

WOMEN OF THE PANDEMIC

The pandemic has impacted the livelihoods of women around the world. Although they have always faced challenges in balancing life, work, and all that is in between, the pandemic has required many women to make difficult trade-offs and great sacrifices. Through the exhibition, “Women of the Pandemic,” QAIC partnered with Katara Cultural Village to reflect on how women have confronted the realities of life in a pandemic. The exhibition featured four Qatari and four American female artists whose creative voices have carried on despite the COVID-19 chaos around them. In June 2021, the exhibition premiered virtually through Katara’s website, and on June 24, the artists came together for a virtual webinar panel moderated by QAIC Board Member Dr. Shaikha Al-Misnad. As COVID restrictions eased, QAIC and Katara were thrilled to transition to a physical exhibition which opened in the fall at QAIC’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

’Women of the Pandemic” artists Jordann Wine (center) and Anna U Davis (right) pose with a guest attending the exhibition’s opening reception at QAIC.

Guests and some of the participating artists of the exhibition listening to remarks at the opening reception of “Women of the Pandemic” at Katara Cultural Village in Qatar.

Artist Sarah Ahmad explains her work to Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiti and other guests at the reception at Katara Cultural Village. The official logo for the “Women of the Pandemic” exhibition, which was hosted in both Washington, DC and in Doha, Qatar.

Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, speaks with Qatari artist Haifa Al Khuzai about her work. Guests touring the “Women of the Pandemic” exhibition at QAIC’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

CULTURAL FUSION & RUWAD

To coincide with the 2021 IMPART Summit, QAIC opened two new exhibitions in November 2021 at its Washington, DC headquarters: Cultural Fusion and Ruwad.

Cultural Fusion featured the works of graphic design students from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Graphic Design in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Doha and Qatar Museums. The exhibition explored the ongoing relations between Qatar and the United States through a creative lens, commemorating Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture. The premise was to explore the ongoing relations between the United States and Qatar through design. The project allowed a variety of creative freedom, and the result was a multitude of diverse outcomes with both serious and playful approaches. The designs of Sara AlHelal were selected to be the official logo of the 2021 Year of Culture.

Opening concurrently with Cultural Fusion in November 2021 was the Ruwad Gallery, featuring the works of 4 Qatari artists in collaboration with al markhiya gallery in Qatar. Al markhiya offers established and emerging creatives exposure opportunities both for those living in the region and beyond, through exhibitions and other events. The Ruwad program began in 2018 in celebration of pioneering contemporary artists in Qatar and the impact of their creativity in the Gulf Region. The 2021-2022 iteration highlighted the works of Sarah Al Ansari, Mubarak Al Malik, Fatima Al Mohammed, and Ebtissam Al Saffar.

A view of the “Cultural Fusion” exhibition which features various graphic designers and their submissions for the 2021 Qatar-USA Year of Culture logo. A visitor views works by Fatima Al Mohammed at QAIC’s 2022 Ruwad exhibition in partnership with al markhiya gallery in Qatar.

A visitor studies several works by Qatari artist Mubarak Al-Malik at the 2022 Ruwad exhibition.

LIGHT & SHADOW

The final exhibition housed at QAIC in 2021 was “Light & Shadow: A visual journey through Oregon.” As part of the Qatar – USA 2021 Year of Culture program, the Light & Shadow Exhibition presented the work of two photographers, Andrew Studer and Khalifa AlMisnad, during their ten-day journey photographing the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The pair endured early mornings, strenuous hikes, and inclement weather, as they ventured over Mount Hood, the Cascades, the Three Sisters, as well as up and down the Oregon coast. The result of their journey is a series of photographs that not only serve as documentation of the natural wonders in the Pacific Northwest but also as individual perspectives meeting to appreciate the present moment. Embodying the true spirit of the Year of Culture program, both photographers championed each other’s inquisitive nature while learning from one another. With curation and guidance by prolific landscape photographer Michael Shainblum, the Photography Exchange Exhibition was a resounding affirmation that photography is a universal language not limited by borders, cultures, or people.

Photographers Khalifa Al-Misnad (left) and Andrew Studer (right) posing in front of some of their displayed works in the exhibition.

A visitor touring one of the rooms of the exhibition. A guest views some of the many captures of the US Pacific Northwest taken for the “Light & Shadow” exhibition. Guests attend for remarks at the opening reception of the “Light & Shadow” exhibition hosted at QAIC on December 16, 2021.”

Education

At QAIC, all are welcome to expand their knowledge of the arts and culture through various enriching programs and events, and by accessing our available resources. It is through education that we are able to connect with people and organizations around the world to share our cultures and deepen our understanding of each other.