Inspired by the Land draws on artist’s cultural memory and family history

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 January 28, 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 January 28, 2023 at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. For more information, please visit www.mathaf.org.qa