The ‘No Boundaries’ exhibition by Italian artist Caterina Varchetta opened at the Katara – the Cultural Village on Wednesday, featuring a unique collection of canvas and porcelains, highlighting the deep-rooted relations between Qatar and Italy.
“I find harmony between light and shadow, tradition, innovation, fragility, and strength in all aspects of art reflected on my work,” said Varchetta, a Doha resident.
The exhibition, organised by the embassy of Italy in Doha and Katara, will run until October 13 at Katara’s Building 22, Gallery 2. It is officially part of the initiative supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, aimed at promoting Italian contemporary art abroad.
The opening ceremony was attended by Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano, as well as several other envoys from various missions in Doha.
“Exposed to local influences and inspired by the landscapes of Qatar, Varchetta applies to canvas and porcelains a very personal artistic language, mixing Italian traditions and Qatari symbols. As a consequence, her artworks engage without limits and restrictions in an open dialogue between two cultures,” Salzano said in his speech.
“Here it is the powerful message of ‘No boundaries’. Art knows no borders. It goes beyond any barriers and rejects labels, constrictions and divisions,” he noted. “This is exactly the approach that Italy and Qatar share towards art and culture, which need to remain free and inclusive.”
The envoy lauded the artist for sharing her talent and sensitivity, expressed through outstanding artworks that show the tight connections between Italy and Qatar.
He also thanked Dr al-Sulaiti for “an excellent ongoing co-operation that significantly contributes to the strengthening of the relations between Qatar and Italy, while offering cultural programmes that benefit our communities.”
“We have decided to resume our cultural journey after the summer break from a unique collection of canvas and porcelains created by the Italian artist Caterina Varchetta, precisely from Naples – where I come from – but based in Doha, where she lives with her family,” Salzano said.
Dr al-Sulaiti also inaugurated “A Journey Through My Stories” exhibition by Portuguese artist Patricia Mouzinho, showcasing 40 paintings belonging to the School of Cubist Art.
He stressed that the the two exhibitions serve as an opportunity for many people to learn about new experiences, build relations, and exchange of experiences.
“Katara is witnessing a remarkable development at all levels, especially in the diversity of exhibitions and artists,” Dr al-Sulaiti said, adding that the two exhibitions have an artistic flavour, which reflects a deep vision and a melting pot of diverse cultural experiences.
Mouzinho said that her works have been an expression of many mixed feelings of being a journalist 27 years ago as she visited different countries around the world.
“I am happy to be in Qatar and this unique and beautiful cultural village, Katara,” she added.
‘No Boundaries will run until October 13 (building 22) while ‘A journey through my stories’ in the building 19 Hall 1 will continue until 14 of this month.
