Qatari artist Ahmed Al Jufairi showcases 22 works inspired by his experiences as a resident at the renowned Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris – one of the world’s most prestigious art residencies.
The exhibition, which opened at the Fire Station yesterday, is entitled Movable Feast alluding to an Ernest Hemingway book of the same title.
“Movable Feast references to the book by Ernest Hemingway on his life as a struggling writer in Paris,” Al Jufairi said at the launch of the exhibition.
Al Jufairi, who just completed a three-month residency in Paris as an extension of Qatar Museums’ (QM) Fire Station: Artist in Residence programme in Doha, said he could relate to Hemingway’s experience during an important period in his life as an artist living in the same city.
The works on display created using various mediums reflect Al Jufairi’s fluency as a contemporary transdisciplinary artist.
Source: Peninsula Qatar
Marking the end of a successful residency, the event also featured a public talk, during which the artist shared insights from his journey and experience in Paris.
Humanism, globalisation and landscape are the main concepts explored by Al Jufairi in his works.
Particularly, the exhibition expresses a contemporary take on Parisian landmarks as well as the multinational feel of the city and its art scene. In an emotional visualisation of one of the world’s most iconic capitals, the artist sails between the romantic musings of the city and its often hidden darker sides including homelessness and poverty.
Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director of the Fire Station, said: “Ahmed has always used art as a commentary of pressing social issues. His creativity coupled with his intense belief in notions of hope, beauty and resilience, allow him to create works that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds and beliefs. We are incredibly proud of the growth that he has achieved during his time in Paris and are looking forward to watching how he uses these learnings in the future.”
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Ahmed Al Jufairi majored in Painting and Printmaking with a minor in Art History. He fuses inspirations that range from Van Gogh, Picasso, Marc Chagall and Andy Warhol with contemporary pop culture and local references.
Held under the patronage of its Chairperson, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Paris Residency is programme takes one talented Qatari creative to Paris for a three-month experience.
Following the success of its Paris Residency programme, QM has recently launched Studio 209 NY, allowing Qatari artists to apply for a three-month residency at the prestigious International Studio & Curatorial Programme (ISCP) in New York, USA.Through its international partnerships, QM is creating the conditions for the cultivation of new talent and creativity, inspiring the next generation of cultural producers.
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