The large-scale sculpture references a traditional sailing dhow resting on the sands of the shore. The artwork also acts as a tribute to the region’s last generation of women who wore the battoola. The original work by Hassan bin Mohammed Al Thani dates back to 2002. This particular edition was commissioned by Qatar Museums.
Artist, scholar and collector Al Thani has played a pioneering role since the 1980s in cultivating and preserving modern and
contemporary art in the Middle East and North Africa. He has been at the forefront of art, cultural and educational institutions in Qatar and is responsible for the foundation of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. His artwork, which takes many forms – including painting, photography, sculpture and experimentation with fabric – is deeply rooted in Qatar’s history and traditions and is inspired by his friendships and exchanges with artists from across the Arab world.
