The 15th edition of the Gwangju Biennale, the oldest contemporary art biennale in South Korea, has begun with the participation of the Qatar Pavilion. Qatar is the first and only Arab country to have a standalone pavilion at the 2024 Gwangju Biennale, curated by the National Museum of Qatar. The exhibition, Knock, Rain, Knock, will be on display until December 1, 2024.
HE Director of the National Museum of Qatar Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed his pride in opening the Qatar Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale. This event coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Qatar and South Korea. The pavilion offers a valuable opportunity to showcase Qatar’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary arts on a global stage, highlighting Qatari history and identity.
The Qatar Pavilion will feature artworks from seven Qatari and Qatar-based artists. Sara Al Naimi’s Al Istigatha presents a triptych of woodblock prints on linen using words from a poem by the late revered poet Mohsen bin Osman Al Hazani. Nada Elkharashi’s Al Fag’a Oasis installation and video work is inspired by the desert truffle, while Abdulrahman Al Muftah’s Rain on Materiality features large patinated copper sheets inspired by metal billboard structures in the country.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Sara Al Naimi expressed her happiness in participating in the Gwangju Biennale. She emphasized the importance of the pavilion in sharing Qatari culture with an international audience. The artworks showcased at the Qatar Pavilion reflect the country’s commitment to preserving its heritage and showcasing its contemporary artistic talent.
The Qatar Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale provides a unique opportunity for Qatari artists to interact with a global cultural forum. It serves as a platform to showcase the depth and diversity of Qatar’s cultural identity, highlighting the country’s artistic contributions on an international stage. The presence of the Qatar Pavilion demonstrates the country’s dedication to promoting cultural exchange and dialogue with the global community.
With a focus on Qatar’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary arts scene, the Qatar Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale plays a significant role in enhancing the country’s presence in the global art world. Through the exhibition Knock, Rain, Knock, visitors have the opportunity to engage with the unique perspectives and artistic expressions of Qatari artists, further solidifying Qatar’s reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation in the art world.
