The unique art experience offered by the Seeroo fi al Ardh – the final work of the late acclaimed artist M F Husain, will be opened by Qatar Foundation (QF) to the public from Sunday with four daily shows.
The art installation at Education City was first visualised by Husain in 2009, and formed part of an extensive project telling the story of human civilisation from the standpoint of the Arab region’s history, together with a series of 99 paintings reflecting the 99 names of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
Husain passed away before it could be finished, with QF ensuring his vision became reality by completing the Seeroo fi al Ardh – housed within a permanent building close to Al Shaqab equestrian centre – with every aspect of the artist’s original plan being incorporated.
“At Qatar Foundation, we believe that art has the power to bring enjoyment to people, but also to encourage them to look at the world through a different lens, ask questions, and consider new perspectives,” said Layla Ibrahim Bacha, senior art specialist at Qatar Foundation. “It educates, inspires, sparks curiosity, and unlocks creativity.
“This is why we are committed to ensuring that we provide opportunities for all members of society to experience and interact with art, and to realise what it has to say to them. The Seeroo fi al Ardh is just the latest illustration of this commitment, and we are delighted to be opening up this unique, experiential art installation to the public, inviting them to explore a truly thought-provoking artistic vision.
“As we continue to support the work of Qatar Museums in positioning Qatar as a global hub of arts and culture, we hope that both local and international visitors to the Seeroo fi al Ardh will find it to be a memorable experience.”
The installation comprises a suspended sculpture of Abbas Ibn Firnas, a replica of the flying machine of Leonardo Da Vinci, five Murano glass horses, and five vintage cars, all of which move to music selected by Husain, with a giant mosaic of horses – paying tribute to Qatar’s equine heritage and Husain’s love of the animals – forming the backdrop.
The Seeroo fi al Ardh’s main show chronicles how first nature, then machines, advanced the ambitions of people throughout the Arab region, allowing them to shape the world around them; and how – even before the European Renaissance was born – the Arab world was home to an age of enlightenment, experimentation, and innovation.
The shows take place at 9am, 11am, 5pm, and 7pm every day except Fridays and are free of charge, but pre-registration is essential and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. People can register here.
Husain passed away before it could be finished, with QF ensuring his vision became reality by completing the Seeroo fi al Ardh – housed within a permanent building close to Al Shaqab equestrian centre – with every aspect of the artist’s original plan being incorporated.
“At Qatar Foundation, we believe that art has the power to bring enjoyment to people, but also to encourage them to look at the world through a different lens, ask questions, and consider new perspectives,” said Layla Ibrahim Bacha, senior art specialist at Qatar Foundation. “It educates, inspires, sparks curiosity, and unlocks creativity.
“This is why we are committed to ensuring that we provide opportunities for all members of society to experience and interact with art, and to realise what it has to say to them. The Seeroo fi al Ardh is just the latest illustration of this commitment, and we are delighted to be opening up this unique, experiential art installation to the public, inviting them to explore a truly thought-provoking artistic vision.
“As we continue to support the work of Qatar Museums in positioning Qatar as a global hub of arts and culture, we hope that both local and international visitors to the Seeroo fi al Ardh will find it to be a memorable experience.”
The installation comprises a suspended sculpture of Abbas Ibn Firnas, a replica of the flying machine of Leonardo Da Vinci, five Murano glass horses, and five vintage cars, all of which move to music selected by Husain, with a giant mosaic of horses – paying tribute to Qatar’s equine heritage and Husain’s love of the animals – forming the backdrop.
The Seeroo fi al Ardh’s main show chronicles how first nature, then machines, advanced the ambitions of people throughout the Arab region, allowing them to shape the world around them; and how – even before the European Renaissance was born – the Arab world was home to an age of enlightenment, experimentation, and innovation.
The shows take place at 9am, 11am, 5pm, and 7pm every day except Fridays and are free of charge, but pre-registration is essential and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. People can register here.
