The Qatari artist’s works showcased in Paris.Young Qatari painter Abdulla al-Kuwari has successfully completed a three-month residency programme at the renowned Cité internationale des Arts, Paris, one of the biggest and most important art residencies in the world. Held under the patronage of its chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Paris Residency is an extension of Qatar Museums’ (QM) Fire Station: Artist in Residence programme in Doha. To celebrate his accomplishments, al-Kuwari hosted an open studio at the Cité internationale des Arts from December 19 to 20, 2017. Members of the public were invited to meet him, exchange cultural and artistic views and learn about his experience and latest projects. “I’m proud of the success of Abdulla’s residency and the creative outputs from his time in Paris. This initiative is one that is dear to me as it truly creates a platform for local artists to flourish in a wonderful creative hub,” Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidly said. “It is great to see how this residency pushed al-Kuwari to take his passion to the next level and to witness how his collaboration with fellow creatives from around the world helped develop his artistic craft,” he added. Al-Kuwari is the third Qatari artist to have a chance to work in Paris through QM’s residency initiative, following two spectacular showings from Ebtisam al-Saffar and Nasser al-Attiya who also hosted open studios at the Cité internationale des Arts. Al-Kuwari’s work explores spaces of ambiguity and fantasy, shifting between the real and the imagined. He is mainly inspired by nature, memories and pop culture. He received his BFA in Painting and Printmaking in 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University in Doha, graduating with the Highest Honours. He participated in exhibitions and art events in the Middle East, including Middle East Film and Comic Con 2016.Following his residency at the Cité internationale des Arts, Paris, al-Kuwari will return to Doha to host a public talk at the Fire Station cinema, where he will share insights from his journey and experience as a resident in Paris. Accompanying the talk, an exhibition at the Fire Station will showcase the artworks created during his time in Paris.The Qatari Art Residency Programme is a recurring three-month residency open to all Qatari artists, and provides one talented individual with studio accommodation space and the chance to be fully immersed in Paris’ art and culture scene.