Doha, Qatar: Mondrian Doha, Doha’s leading luxury hotel that celebrates fashion, art, culture, and music, collaborated with Fire Station on their ‘Artists in Residence’ programme for a cultural initiative dedicated to supporting Qatar’s eclectic art scene. The collaboration was officially inaugurated through an art exhibition titled “Metaphoric growth” and aims to promote the artistic works of Qatar talents.

The launch of the first of a series of exhibition was held at Mondrian Doha’s Frozen Forest Lobby Lounge on Wednesday, 6th April in attendance by representatives from Fire Station and Mondrian Doha as well as members of local media and influencers. 

The initiative comes as part of Mondrian’s continuous efforts to empower local artists, and to support the emerging talents participating in Fire Station’s ‘Artists in Residence’ programme in offering them an exhibition space to showcase their creative works to the community.

Commenting on the launch, Mikel Ibrahim, General Manager of Mondrian Doha, said: “Art and design have always been an integral part of Mondrian’s DNA. Inspired by Marcel Wanders ingenious, sophisticated, and original architecture and design, we naturally draw inspiration from contemporary art, heritage, fashion, and pop culture. We are proud to collaborate with Fire Station, who are in harmony with our bold and creative identity and share our commitment to empowering local talents to further create, flourish and grow.”

Mr. Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director of Fire Station Artists in Residence, commented: “We are excited to collaborate with Mondrian Doha to inspire local artists and nurture new talent as part of the Fire Station’s annual ‘Artists in Residence’ programme. This collaboration aligns with the Fire Station’s aim to provide a platform that will act as a springboard for established and aspiring artists to explore and showcase their creative talent to Qatar and the world.”

The exhibition “Metaphoric Growth” comprises artworks by Fatima Javed, the first Fire Station artist to display her artwork at Mondrian Doha. Her stoneware paper clay sculptures reflect the transformational process that every individual goes through, and encapsulates the emotional transitions.

Fatima Javed commented saying: “I am delighted to have my sculptures exhibited at Mondrian Doha in collaboration with Fire Station. Such cultural collaboration provides a significant platform for artists to showcase their artworks to the wider community and art enthusiasts.”

Fatima continued: “Metaphoric Growth" showcases stoneware paper clay sculptures that metaphorically reflect the transitional period of my emotions from hardship to stability expressing growth and perseverance. I am grateful for such opportunity that will enable me to grow and flourish pushing the boundaries for creativity and experimenting”.

The artworks will be displayed at Ella Mia from 6th April to 21st April 2022 from sunset till 11:00pm providing an opportunity for the community and art fans to witness vibrant art talents.

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ABOUT MONDRIAN HOTELS & RESIDENCES

Mondrian is more than a hotel: it’s a way of travel. Known for its groundbreaking design and progressive programming it is a “must” destination for locals or travelers. Mondrian is always at the heart of the most exciting cultural scenes in the world, serving up innovation and creativity for everyone. Mondrian provides a playful framework so that guests and locals alike can immerse themselves in the culture of each city it inhabits. Design is at the center of the Mondrian experience with hotels designed by some of the world’s most famous architects and designers, including Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders. With six properties in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, Doha and Seoul, the brand is on track to more than double its footprint by 2023, with upcoming openings in Bordeaux, Cannes, Australia’s Gold Coast and more. MondrianHotels.com

Mondrian Hotels & Residences is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Formed in 2021, Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, which holds a majority shareholding. ennismore.com

ABOUT FIRE STATION

The Fire Station is a world-class artist residency programme for residents of Qatar designed to nurture, energize and promote the country's artistic and creative community, and enrich the art scene in Qatar. Founded in 2015 and located in a fire station repurposed by Qatari architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah, the Fire Station offers a nine-month programme for creatives across all disciplines, enabling young artists to cultivate their talent through production support, curatorial advice, and expert mentorships. During the residency, artists engage with professionals from all over the world who recognize Qatar as a growing centre of artistic talent and creativity. Over the past six years, the programme has welcomed 92 artists and expanded its duration to include a three-month stint at the prestigious Cite Internationale des Art in Paris and New York City at Studio 209 NY, which is part of the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP). 

The Fire Station includes extensive studio spaces, a theatre, the popular restaurant Café #999, a bookshop, an art supply shop, and gallery spaces presenting inspiring local and international exhibitions.  The Fire Station has also hosted world-class exhibitions organized by Qatar Museums within its expansive Garage Gallery, including Picassos Studios (2020), KAWS: He Eats Alone (2019) curated by renown art historian Germano Celant, Kazimir Malevich: Genius of the Russian Avant-garde (2019), Russian Avant-garde Pioneers and Direct Descendants (2018), Laundromat by Ai Weiwei (2018), German Encounters – Contemporary Masterworks from the Deutsche Bank Collection (2017), and Picasso-Giacometti (2017). The Fire Station is headed by Director Khalifa Ahmad Al Obaidly, the renowned Qatari photographer. Fire Station is a contemporary art space committed to supporting artists through its artist in residence program as well as engaging the local communities in Qatar by providing opportunities and events, which include exhibitions and public programs.

Built in 1982, the Fire Station was previously the home of the first civil defense authority in Qatar, until late 2012. Repurposed in 2014 to host the Fire Station: Artist in Residence, Ibrahim Al-Jaida, the architect leading the project, has preserved the original details of the building and its tower. The Annex and extended building were additions to the original structure.

Fire Station provides facilities, production support, mentorships, and curatorial support. Residents are selected through an Open Call application process, after which an esteemed jury convenes to make a final selection of up to 20 artists.

About Qatar Museums 

Qatar Museums (QM), the nation’s preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves and expands the nation’s cultural offerings, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.  

Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, and amplify the voices of Qatar’s people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the development of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar (NMOQ), QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, and the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival. Future projects include the soon to open 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and the Qatar Children’s Museum.  

Through its Department of Archaeology, QM spearheads several initiatives to preserve and restore Qatar’s historical sites and buildings. QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station: Artist in Residence and the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design, M7—that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.