Comprising creations originating from the artists’ residencies for 2021 to 2022 (AIR 6) and 2022 to 2023 (AIR 7), the exhibition provides visitors with an insight into the internal mechanisms of artists’ studios and their distinctive methodologies. This journey reveals the progression from concept to realisation, yielding thought-provoking artworks across diverse media.
In a press statement, Fire Station director Khalifa Ahmad al-Obaidli said: “The Present: The Future of the Past exhibition truly embodies the essence of our Artist in Residence programme at the Fire Station. Our residency programme plays a vital role in supporting Qatar's art scene, fostering local talent, and cultivating a thriving creative community.
“As an integral component of QM’s Creative Hubs, we actively contribute to the vision of creating a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure, which is instrumental in shaping the future of art in our nation. We invite everyone to join us at Fire Station to explore the captivating works of these artists.”
The exhibition will remain on view until December 16 at the Fire Station's Garage Gallery, Gallery 3, and Gallery 4.
Fire Station’s exhibition curator Saida al-Khulaifi said: “This exhibition embraces the power and potential of the artistic process. From what is often a seemingly simple beginning, a concept can undergo a wondrous transformation, from an intangible thought to a concrete visual or audio presentation that can connect profoundly with the viewer.
“During their tenure from September to June, artists had the invaluable opportunity to explore this phenomenon and wholeheartedly embrace its transformative power. The exhibited artworks represent diverse experiences, nurtured through numerous stages, and lovingly embraced within the artist's studio—a realm teeming with imagination, often defying the constraints of physics and reality.”
The artists featured in this exhibition are: Abdulaziz Yousef, Abdulrahman Almuftah, Arman Mansouri, Aya Battiri, Charlene Kasdorf, Fatima Javed, Hind Alobaidli, Lucy Martin, Noor Alkharaan, N&LS, Sharefa al-Mannai, Simon Mortimer, Yousef Fakhroo, Amna Almuftah, Abdulrahman al-Thani, Voyyyd, Abir Zakzouk, Ali al-Naama, Farah al-Sidiky, Fatima al-Yousef, Hazim Hussain, Hemanth Madupu, Johnatan Machado, Mohammed Abdullah Alhamadi, Luke Webb, Maha al-Sulaiti, Noof al-Theyab, Noor al-Kuwari, Sarah Jayyousi, Sheikha al-Khulaifi, and Wadha al-Mesalam.
The AIR programme at the Fire Station spans nine months, inviting artists from various disciplines in Qatar to take part. This initiative empowers them to cultivate and enhance their skills by offering assistance in production, curatorial direction, and invaluable mentorship.
The artists are granted access to fully equipped studio spaces and unrestricted use of the establishment's amenities, including a fabrication lab, woodshop, and exhibition areas.
At the culmination of their residency, artists are provided with the chance to present their artworks in a public exhibition hosted at the Fire Station.
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