VCUarts Qatar alumni recently participated in a panel discussion in Venice, showcasing their work and discussing the power of art in shaping cultural identity. The panel, titled ‘A Home Anew – Art as a Refuge; The Contemporary Creative Scene in Qatar’, was organized by Art for Tomorrow 2024 on the sidelines of the Venice Art Biennale 2024. The discussion featured alumni Othman Khunji, Sara Mohammad Al Shafai, and Majdulin Nasrallah, with Hesperia Iliadou Suppiej, PhD, serving as the moderator. The panel explored the importance of art in experiencing the notion of home and cultural identity, building on themes from VCUarts Qatar’s 25th-anniversary alumni exhibition.
Othman Khunji, an MFA in Design alumnus, shared the stories behind his installations at the panel discussion in Venice. Reflecting on his journey since graduating from VCUarts Qatar in 1998, Khunji highlighted the university’s impact on shaping the creative industry in Qatar and the wider Arab region. Sara Al Shafai, an Art History graduate currently working at the National Museum of Qatar, emphasized the collaborative and dialogue-promoting nature of the panel discussion, showcasing the progressive and dynamic art scene in Qatar. The panel, moderated by Suppiej, focused on the role of art in times of crisis and its significance in shaping cultural identity in the context of Qatar’s creative landscape.
Suppiej commended the panel discussion for bringing together exceptional VCUarts Qatar alumni to discuss the importance of the university in shaping the creative contemporary scene in Qatar. Othman Khunji, known for his interdisciplinary conceptual art and interactive installation designs, has showcased his work internationally and received recognition for addressing social justice issues through his art. Sara Al Shafai, an advocate for creative growth, explores the role of language, art, and culture in forming individual and collective identities, contributing to the vibrant art scene in Qatar.
The panel discussion at the Biblioteca Marciana, Museo Correr, in Venice provided a platform for VCUarts Qatar alumni to engage in meaningful dialogue and showcase the impact of their work on shaping cultural identity and the creative industry in Qatar. The conversation, moderated by Suppiej, highlighted the importance of art in times of crisis and the role of the university in nurturing the future of Arab artists. Alumni like Othman Khunji and Sara Al Shafai exemplify the talent and creativity fostered by VCUarts Qatar, contributing to the vibrant art scene in Qatar and beyond.
In conclusion, the panel discussion featuring VCUarts Qatar alumni in Venice was a testament to the university’s continued impact on shaping the creative industry in Qatar and the wider Arab region. Alumni like Othman Khunji and Sara Al Shafai showcased the power of art in shaping cultural identity and fostering dialogue within the art community. The panel, moderated by Suppiej, highlighted the importance of art in times of crisis and the role of the university in nurturing the next generation of Arab artists. The event served as a platform for alumni to share their experiences and insights, contributing to the vibrant and dynamic contemporary art scene in Qatar.
