Fire Station embraces experimentation as AI rises, showcasing Qatari artists on global stage

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly shapes the art world, The Fire Station: Artists in Residence (AIR) in Qatar is embracing experimentation and digital mediums, fostering a new generation of Qatari artists ready to take the global stage.

“Throughout the residency and mentorship, we try to encourage artists to be as experimental as possible, to try out different mediums. Many of them that are presenting their works have been, throughout the nine-month programme, working on with new mediums,” Saida al-Khulaifi, head of Programmes and Exhibitions at The Fire Station, told Gulf Times.

She noted that this approach is evident in the recently opened exhibition, titled 'A House Overlooking the World' at the Garage Gallery, showcasing the diverse works of 17 artists who participated in the 2023-2024 AIR programme.

Al-Khulaifi said one standout artist is Qatari engineer Alkhuzama Alharami, who embraced the residency to develop her artistic practice, integrating her engineering background with her creative vision.

“We are accepting engineers into their residency who would love to experiment with artists well,” she said, noting that Alharami’s work is building sensors and computers but wanted to explore with art.

Other participating artists include: Somaia Dorzadeh (Iran), Oleksandra Umanska (Ukraine), Charlotte Rodenberg (US), Marco Bruno and Simone Carena (Italy), Ann Mc Nally (Ireland), Alanoud Alghamdi (Saudi Arabia), Maryam AlTajer (Bahrain) and Hannah Fakhri, Abdulla AlSallat, Shuaa al-Kuwari, Noora al-Hardan, Aljaze AlNaimi, Zainab AlShibani, Aisha al-Abdulla, and Mohammed AlEmadi.

About the future of the AIR programme, al-Khulaifi highlighted the Fire Station’s role as a vital hub for nurturing local talent, saying: “We cultivate emerging and mid-career artists, supporting them beyond the residency, even with international opportunities”.

She pointed out that the programme’s international recognition, including residencies at the Cite Internationale des Art in Paris and Studio 209 NY in New York City, underscores its commitment to global exposure for Qatari artists.

Al-Khulaifi also underlined the significance of the ongoing exhibition, on view until December 31, as it shines a spotlight on what she described as “the dynamic intersection of traditional and digital art forms”. This, she added, showcases the creative potential of Qatari artists in a rapidly evolving art landscape.

By embracing the evolving role of AI and technology, al-Khulaifi pointed out that this empowers artists to push creative boundaries and solidify Qatar’s presence on the global art scene.