11 August, Doha, <a href="https://gulfeyenews.com/qatar-calendar-presents-a-diverse-range-of-family-cultural-and-sporting-events-throughout-august/”>Qatar – Msheireb Museums, in collaboration with Markhiya Gallery, hosted a panel discussion featuring artists participating in the ‘Sawaed’ exhibition, offering visitors an opportunity to hear first-hand about the ideas and stories behind the works currently on display at Bin Jelmood House.
Moderated by Mohammed Alhamadi, the discussion on 10 August brought together artists Ismail Azzam, Amal Al Aathem, Maryam Almulla and Nasser Al-Attiyah, who reflected on their creative process and discussed how they approached the exhibition’s themes through their individual artistic practices.
The discussion delivered a deeper understanding of the exhibition by exploring how each artist interpreted these themes and translated them into contemporary works that connect Qatar’s past with its present.
Named after the Arabic word for “arms” or “hands,” Sawaed celebrates the people whose hard work, determination and creativity have shaped Qatar’s development. Through contemporary artworks, the exhibition brings together history and artistic expression, inviting visitors to reflect on the values of collaboration, resilience and innovation that continue to drive progress.
Inspired by the words of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the late Father Amir of Qatar where he once said: “Our true wealth is our human potential, not oil,” the exhibition explores the people, values and shared experiences that have shaped Qatar’s development.
Abdullah Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, said: “‘Sawaed’ is about recognising the people whose ideas, determination and hard work have contributed to Qatar’s story. This discussion gave visitors the opportunity to engage directly with the artists and gain a deeper appreciation of the different perspectives behind the exhibition. At Msheireb Museums, we want our exhibitions to spark conversation and invite visitors to see familiar histories through different perspectives.”
Through contemporary artworks, Sawaed revisits the history of Company House, highlighting the spirit of cooperation and perseverance that defined the country’s early years and continues to shape its future.
“We believe that the stories of Qatar’s past provide artists with an opportunity to look at our history from different perspectives,” said moderator Mohammed Alhamadi. “Sawaed demonstrates how contemporary artists can revisit these stories and give them new meaning for today’s audiences. It also creates an important space for conversation between artists and audiences and to reinterpret the histories that continue to shape our understanding of Qatar.”
The event forms part of Msheireb Museums’ ongoing programme of public talks and cultural events that encourage dialogue around Qatar’s history and contemporary culture. Presented in partnership with Markhiya Gallery, the panel complements the Sawaed exhibition by inviting audiences to explore the stories behind the artworks and the ideas that inspired them.
The Sawaed exhibition is currently on display at Bin Jelmood House, one of Msheireb Museums’ four heritage houses, and features the works of 13 Qatari and resident artists across video, painting, portraiture, and sculpture.
By exploring the contributions of past and present generations, Sawaed reaffirms that a nation’s greatest strength lies not in its natural resources, but in the people who turn ideas into lasting achievements.