Qatar Museums (QM) recently unveiled “Autorretrato” (Self-Portrait, 2022) by Argentinian artist Gabriel Chaile, a significant new sculpture installed in Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art’s performance space. The artwork commemorates the museum’s 15th anniversary and is also a key component of the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Years of Culture initiative, furthering cross-cultural artistic exchange. This installation aims to position Qatar as a major player in the global contemporary art scene.
The unveiling took place in Doha, Qatar, and solidifies the nation’s commitment to fostering international collaboration through artistic endeavors. According to QM officials, the new piece is intended to spark conversation about heritage and identity within a global context.
A Landmark Sculpture for Mathaf’s Anniversary
“Autorretrato” is more than just a celebratory piece; it’s a statement about the transformative power of public art, according to Sheikha Reem Al Thani, Deputy CEO of AlRiwaq Public Art and Rubaiya Qatar. She emphasized the sculpture will encourage dialogue about ancestry, heritage, and the complex interplay between personal and collective identity. The placement in a public space within Mathaf is deliberate, designed to create genuine connections between visitors and contemporary art.
Gabriel Chaile, born in 1985 in San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina, is highly regarded for his work that explores Latin American material culture, archaeological history, and Indigenous traditions. Drawing from his own Afro-Arab and Indigenous roots, Chaile’s art frequently investigates how identity is shaped by inherited memories and communal storytelling which adds to the significance of this art installation.
Exploring Identity Through Form and Material
Unlike traditional portraiture, “Autorretrato” conveys identity through symbolism and carefully selected materials. The surface of the sculpture displays raised textures reminiscent of the prehistoric Venus of Willendorf, representing hair and acknowledging Chaile’s diverse ancestry. Subtle, eye-shaped indentations on either side of the work echo dual-headed shapes found in pre-Hispanic ceramics, further emphasizing themes of duality and introspection.
The piece itself is crafted from adobe, a clay material historically used for both architecture and pottery amongst Indigenous communities throughout the continent. This grounding in earth materials is integral to the work’s message. Its conical shape is a deliberate reference to traditional pipes once common in everyday life in northwestern Argentina.
Chaile describes his approach as creating a “Genealogy of Form,” a framework where ancestral knowledge, material history, and contemporary identity converge in a single artistic expression. This concept sets “Autorretrato” apart as a truly unique contribution to contemporary public art.
Part of a Larger Cultural Initiative
The unveiling of “Autorretrato” is taking place within the broader context of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign recognizing Qatar’s cultural evolution over the past 50 years. Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, noted that the artwork ideally introduces the museum’s developing focus on ceramic art, establishing a dialogue between historical and modern practices.
This installation also marks a significant moment within the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Years of Culture, a national effort led by Qatar Creates to build sustained partnerships and showcase shared cultural assets. Qatar Creates aims to position Qatar as a leading global center for arts and culture. The initiative specifically highlights the rich artistic traditions and emerging collaborative projects between Qatar and the two South American nations.
Looking ahead, the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Years of Culture will continue to unfold with a series of events and exhibits planned throughout the next year. The success of “Autorretrato” will likely influence future commissioned artworks and the continued expansion of Mathaf’s collection, particularly in ceramic arts. Further developments in the Qatar-Argentina-Chile cultural partnership will be announced in the coming months, with the full program of events expected to be finalized by early 2025.
The future impact on contemporary art remains to be seen as the project progresses.
