In Doha, Qatar, Mohammed AlEmadi’s artwork, Busnida, has garnered attention at the Fire Station’s ‘A House Overlooking the World’ exhibition. The Qatari artist and engineer’s creation represents the Qatari citizen’s dedication to excellence, support for the country, and preservation of cultural values. Inspired by KAWS sculptures, AlEmadi wanted to create a character that captures Qatari culture, and Busnida was born out of this vision. Through his project, AlEmadi aims to inspire the youth to uphold Qatari identity by expanding Busnida’s universe with the introduction of a new character, Roda, during his participation in the Artists in Residence program.
Busnida quickly captured the hearts of both Qataris and non-Qataris alike, with many finding a new perspective on Qataris as friendly individuals through the character. The original Busnida model made from blue PLA holds a special place in AlEmadi’s heart, while newer versions made from fiberglass are now available for purchase at Qatar Museums’ IN-Q gift shops. He believes that owning a Busnida is a way to preserve Qatari identity and share the country’s culture with others, emphasizing the importance of supporting local artists as a source of motivation and creativity.
During his time at the residency program, AlEmadi described the experience as an incredible experiment, highlighting the opportunity to share ideas and build connections with artists from diverse backgrounds. The Fire Station team provided a great platform for showcasing his work, alongside 16 other artists, in the Garage Gallery exhibition running until December 31. By day, Mohammed AlEmadi is a civil engineer, but by night, he indulges in his passion for art, shaping cultural identity through his creations. Despite Busnida’s growing popularity, the artist remains humble, acknowledging the character’s increasing influence in the art world.
