Latin American and Caribbean voices resonate at ‘Latitudes and Heartbeats’ exhibition

The stunning works of Latin American and Caribbean artists residing in Qatar take centre stage at the recently unveiled “Latitudes and Heartbeats” exhibition at the Embassy of Mexico in Doha.

Open to the public until November 14 by appointment, this unique exhibition offers a compelling dialogue between heritage and adaptation, exploring themes of identity, memory, and belonging in a new cultural context, according to the embassy.

“Through these artistic expressions, we create bridges of dialogue and empathy. Initiatives like these help deepen the bonds between our peoples, enrich the vibrant artistic landscape of Qatar and nurture mutual respect and appreciation,” Mexican ambassador Guillermo Ordorica said, highlighting the exhibition’s significance in fostering cross-cultural understanding.

The show’s opening on Thursday was attended by ambassadors from Latin America and the Caribbean, members of the diplomatic corps and the local art community.

Latitudes and Heartbeats features a variety of mediums, from digital photography and painting to mixed media and sculpture. The works explore the emotional echoes of distance and the fusion of Latin American heritage with the Arab world.

The exhibition presents a diverse roster of artists, including Alejandro Reyes, Clemencia Rodríguez Tovar, and several others from Mexico; Fernando Jaramillo from Chile; Maria T Costatini al-Bader from Qatar; and Aryam Ladera Ramos from Venezuela. Adding to the cultural exchange, special guest works include pieces by Syrian artist Hala Aljaafari, Qatari artist Abdul Rahman al-Mutawah, and a historical Qatari dallah ensemble from a private collection.

For al-Bader, a Uruguayan-born artist who has called Qatar home for 36 years, the exhibition is a personal reflection on the enduring connection to heritage amidst cultural assimilation.

“I came to this country 36 years ago and embraced completely the culture,” she said. “What I wanted to show in my work is the retrospective that remains alive; it means that even though we are a modern country... I believe that we are still very well connected to the traditions.”

Al-Bader uses porcelain painting, a technique demanding patience and precision, to depict this connection. “For a woman, for instance, when we have our weddings, we still dress as a Qatari... when we go to the sea we still use the dhows, and when we go to the desert with falcons, we still use the same techniques,” she said, noting that losing touch with one’s heritage diminishes a sense of belonging.