Qatari painter chosen in third round of QM Fire Station’s prestigious Paris residency

9 Oct 2017, Doha:

Qatar Museums’ (QM) Fire Station announced that young Qatari painter Abdulla Al-Kuwari has been selected to complete a three-month residency programme at the renowned Cité internationale des Arts, Paris, one of the biggest and most important art residencies in the world.

Held under the patronage of its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Paris Residency is an extension of the Fire Station: Artist in Residence programme in Doha. It provides one lucky artist with an opportunity to live and study in Paris with access to studio space, museums, galleries and numerous opportunities to network with peers and other artists from around the world.

Abdullah’s work explores spaces of ambiguity and fantasy, shifting between the real and the imagined. He is mainly inspired by nature, memories and pop culture. Abdulla received his BFA in Painting and Printmaking in 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating with the Highest Honors. He has participated in exhibitions and art events in the Middle East, including Middle East Film & Comic Con and Exhibitor2016.

Khalifa Al-Obaidly, Director of the Fire Station, said:

“I am always eager to award this incredible opportunity to a talented and deserving artist for a chance to push boundaries and be inspired by a city that has bred countless talent over millennia. Abdulla has impressed with his colorful depictions of dreamlike scenes that are at once playful and thought-provoking and I look forward to the body of work he will produce as part of the Paris residency.”

Abdulla is the third Qatari artist to have a chance to develop their skills and artistic talent in Paris, following two spectacular showings from Ebtisam Al Saffar and Nasser Al–Attiya who recently hosted an open studio at the Cité internationale des Arts in late September to showcase his work.

Later this month, the Fire Station will also host an open studio and talk to celebrate Al–Attiya’s work and accomplishments. Members of the public will be invited to meet him, exchange cultural and artistic views and learn about his experience and latest projects.

For more information about the Paris Residency, artists should visit: http://www.firestation.org.qa/paris-art-residency-2017

Follow @dohafirestation for information on the Fire Station’s latest programmes and events.