The Fire Station: Artist in Residence unveiled Sunday two exhibitions – “Art is About Art” and “Eternal Echoes: The Silent Cry of Gaza” – highlighting the role of art in cultural exchange and humanitarian reflection.
Curated in partnership with the Netherlands embassy in Doha and the Atelier Art Society, “Art is About Art” showcases works from international artists exploring the emotional and spiritual significance of art while “Eternal Echoes” by Al Jazeera Media Network journalist Hayat El-Yamani pays tribute to the children of Gaza through evocative sculptures.
The event was attended by HE the Minister of State and Qatar National Library president Dr Hamad Bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, Dutch ambassador Ferdinand Lahnstein, Austrian ambassador Erika Bernhard, and Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidly, among other dignitaries and guests.
Housed at the Fire Station’s Gallery 3 and 4, both exhibitions are open to the public and will be on view until November 2.
Speaking to *Gulf Times, “Art is About Art” co-curator Dirk van Lierop, who was joined by his co-curator Alejandra Barillas, described the exhibition as unique and special, noting its setting at the Fire Station in Doha, one of Qatar’s historic buildings.
He stressed how the exhibition serves as a bridge connecting three regions: the Gulf, Europe, and Latin America.
The “Art is About Art” exhibition showcases the works of five renowned international artists: Han Nooyen (Netherlands), Yousef Ahmad (Qatar), Abdul Rahim Salem (UAE), Jonathan Ardon (Guatemala), and Annemiek Roumen (Netherlands).
It underlines how authentic art connects cultures, reflects emotions, and represents society and offers visitors a fresh perspective on the world, encouraging inspiration and understanding.
Van Lierop, a Dutch businessman specialising in art investments, and Barillas, a Latin-American businesswoman, gallery owner and former Miss Guatemala 2011, share a passion for art.
Together, they curate exhibitions in galleries, art fairs, museums, and private collections.
El-Yamani’s “Eternal Echoes”, curated by Saida al-Khulaifi and Fatima al-Zaini, features unique sculptures that portray balloons as once symbols of childhood innocence and now evoke the harsh realities of unimaginable struggle.
The artworks serve as a poignant reminder to reflect on the silent suffering of Gaza’s children, whose cries remain unheard amid the destruction and devastation.
“I’m trying to give one more voice to the children of Gaza, the more than 16,000 children being killed until this moment ... I want to tell one clear message: this blood of our children will never vanish until the criminals who have done that, the Israeli occupation, held accountable for that and this war should end now,” El-Yamani said.
About her work, she noted that the balloon represents fragility while the clay means the resilience from which humans were formed and it embodies the land being fought over and holds the promise of renewal and rebirth once again.
‘Art is About Art’ curators Dirk van Lierop and Alejandra Barillas at the event. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam
'Art is About Art' showcases works from international artists exploring the emotional and spiritual significance of art
Hayat El-Yamani's pieces: the balloon represents fragility while the clay means the resilience from which humans were formed.
Hayat El-Yamani showcases her artworks.
Dutch ambassador Ferdinand Lahnstein at the opening of the two exhibitions.
HE Dr Hamad Bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari with Khalifa al-Obaidly at the unveiling of the two exhibitions Sunday at the Fire Station: Artists in Residence.
