Mathaf Showcases Work of Emerging Qatari Artist AlMaha AlMaadeed

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art has unveiled Inspired by the Land, an exhibition by local artist, AlMaha AlMaadeed. Inspired by the Land, on view until 28 January 2023, questions the effects of urbanisation in Qatar on the re-engagement with nature, and explores the interlinked relationship between natural history, sustainability, cultural memory and modernity. The seven artworks featured in the exhibition demonstrate AlMaadeed’s artistic process of contextualising family archives using verses of poetry and oral literature as archives of cultural memory.

Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf, said: “Mathaf provides a vital platform for local and regional talent to showcase their work and connect with audiences. We are pleased to present the work of AlMaha AlMaadeed, a talented emerging Qatari artist whose exhibition Inspired by the Land explores nostalgia from multiple perspectives, and we look forward to welcoming the community and visitors to Qatar to this new exhibition.”

Through her work, AlMaadeed narrates the practice of archiving cultural memory and family history. A self-proclaimed “naturalist”, AlMaadeed enjoys exploring Qatar’s desert landscape and flora, drawing inspiration from nature and employing it in her artwork. Her work has been exhibited at AlBahie Auction House (2021), the Gallery at VCUarts Qatar (2021, 2020), and AlHosh Art Gallery (2020).

Mathaf is the world’s most important resource for the study and display of 20th and 21st century art from the Arab world and a major collecting institution as well as a centre for research and study.

Inspired by the Land is on view until 28 January 2023 at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. For more information, please visit www.mathaf.org.qa

About Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art serves as the Arab world's leading modern and contemporary art museum. The Museum offers a welcoming, vibrant environment that invites evolving discussions about modern art in the region and beyond. Home to a permanent collection that offers a distinctively unique comprehensive overview of modern and contemporary art from North Africa and the Middle East, Mathaf ("museum" in Arabic) also performs a vitalrole as a centre for dialogue and scholarship and a resource for fostering creativity. Mathaf was opened in 2010 by Qatar Museums in partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF) and is located in Education City. The Museum was founded by H.E. Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani, who began collecting in the 1980s with the acquisition of works by Qatari artists. Sheikh Hassan later broadened his focus to include works by 20th-century artists throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arab Diaspora and objects that inspired many Arab modern artists, such as pre-Islamic works from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. An initial group of works assembled by Sheikh Hassan was donated to the public institution. Over the past decade, Mathaf has hugely contributed to research and debate around modern art contemporary art, made available to scholars and audiences through the Mathaf Encyclopedia of Modern Art and the Arab World. The Museum made itself a meeting point for scholars from across the region around education programmes, conferences, and publications. It has served as a dynamic platform for artists by facilitating the creation and exploration of contemporary works. With the presentation of Kader Attia: On Silence, Karroum concludes his tenure as Director of Mathaf, a position he has held since 2013, focusing on the development of the collection, curatorial and art historical research, and leading the Museum to present major exhibitions and publications dedicated to international artists, including Etel Adnan, Dia Azzawi, Mona Hatoum, Wael Shawky, and Shirin Neshat, among others. Zeina Arida was appointed as director of Mathaf in October 2021.

About Qatar Museums

Qatar Museums (QM), the nation's preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves, restores, and expands the nation's cultural offerings and historical sites, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.

Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, educate and encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, and amplify the voices of Qatar's people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, and the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival. Future projects include the soon to open 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar.

Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival and the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design M7—that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.

Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention.