Young Qatari painter Abdulla Al-Kuwari has successfully completed 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 Qatar Museums’ Fire Station: Artist in Residence programme in Doha.

To celebrate his accomplishments, Abdulla hosted an open studio at the Cité internationale des Arts from 19 – 20 December 2017. Members of the public were invited to meet him, exchange cultural and artistic views and learn about his experience and latest projects.

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

“I’m proud of the success of Abdulla’s residency and the creative outputs from his time in Paris. This initiative is one that is dear to me as it truly creates a platform for local artists to flourish in a wonderful creative hub. It is great to see how this residency pushed Abdulla to take his passion to the next level, and to witness how his collaboration with fellow creatives from around the world helped develop his artistic craft.”

Abdulla is the third Qatari artist to have a chance to work in Paris through QM’s residency initiative, following two spectacular showings from Ebtisam Al Saffar and Nasser Al–Attiya who also hosted open studios at the Cité internationale des Arts earlier this year.

Abdulla’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 in Doha, graduating with the Highest Honors. He has participated in exhibitions and art events in the Middle East, including Middle East Film & Comic Con 2016.

Following his residency at the Cité internationale des Arts, Paris, Abdulla will return to Doha to host a public talk at the Fire Station cinema, where he will share insights from his journey and experience as a resident in Paris. Accompanying the talk, an exhibition at the Fire Station will showcase the artworks created during his time in Paris.

The Qatari Art Residency Programme is a recurring three-month residency open to all Qatari artists, and provides one talented individual with studio accommodation space and the chance to be fully immersed in Paris’ art and culture scene.

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.