Minneapolis–St. Paul residents and visitors will now see a vibrant new landmark gracing the city skyline: a large-scale mural created by Qatari contemporary artist Mubarak Nasser Al-Thani. The artwork, unveiled recently, reimagines iconic Twin Cities structures through a unique lens of Middle Eastern design principles. The project represents a continuation of cultural exchange initiatives between Qatar and the United States.
The mural is located in Minneapolis and features stylized depictions of the Foshay Tower, Stone Arch Bridge, IDS Center, Wells Fargo Tower, the Cedar complex, and the Minnesota State Capitol. Al-Thani’s distinctive approach utilizes minimalistic, geometric forms and a striking color palette to create a fresh visual interpretation of the metropolitan area’s architectural identity.
A New Landmark Through a Cultural Exchange
The artwork is a direct result of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, an initiative designed to foster understanding and collaboration between the two nations. Al-Thani initially participated in the program in 2021, creating street art in San Francisco. This Minneapolis project extends that partnership, bringing a new dimension of artistic expression to the Midwest.
According to Al-Thani, his work aims to bridge cultural divides. He views each city he works in as an opportunity to blend his Eastern heritage with the characteristics of a new Western environment. The artist is currently pursuing a second MFA in painting, with a minor in sculpting, at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), further immersing himself in the local art scene.
Artistic Inspiration and Technique
Al-Thani is known for deconstructing urban landscapes and reconstructing them using stacked forms, cultural motifs, and rhythmic sequences. This street art style, honed through residencies at Doha’s Fire Station and the International Studio & Curatorial Programme in New York, is evident in the Minneapolis mural. He specifically sought to capture the openness and architectural rhythm of the Midwest.
The artist incorporated Eastern motifs, drawing from Arabian aesthetics, to initiate a dialogue between the Middle East and Minnesota. This is achieved through the use of broken sequences and repeating patterns, a hallmark of his artistic language. The color scheme and smooth texture were deliberately chosen to harmonize with the prevalent red-brick buildings in the area, many built with materials sourced from the Mississippi River.
Interestingly, the blocks of “sky” within the mural’s design echo the soft red tones of the Mississippi River itself, creating a subtle connection to the local landscape. This attention to detail demonstrates Al-Thani’s thoughtful integration of his artistic vision with the existing environment. The project also highlights the growing trend of public art installations in urban centers.
The Qatar-USA Year of Culture initiative has previously supported a range of programs, including educational exchanges, sporting events, and cultural performances. This mural represents a significant addition to the program’s legacy, demonstrating the power of art to transcend borders and promote mutual understanding. The initiative aims to build lasting relationships between the people of Qatar and the United States.
Looking ahead, the long-term impact of the mural on the Minneapolis–St. Paul cultural landscape remains to be seen. City officials have not yet announced plans for additional collaborative art projects with Qatar, but the success of this initiative could pave the way for future endeavors. The ongoing evolution of the city’s public art collection will be a key area to watch in the coming years.
The completion of this project underscores the continued commitment of the Qatar-USA Year of Culture to fostering artistic collaboration and cultural exchange. Further details about the initiative and upcoming events can be found on the official Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture website.
