SEOUL, September. 09 (AJP) – Qatar Museums has launched its first Qatar Pavilion at the 15th Gwangju Biennale, the oldest contemporary art event in South Korea. Curated by the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), it marks the first time an Arab nation has presented a standalone pavilion at the Biennale.
The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Gwangju’s Mayor Kang Gi-jung, Gwangju Biennale Foundation President Yang-Woo Park, and Abdulaziz Al Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar, highlighting the strong ties between Qatar and South Korea.
The Pavilion’s debut exhibition, Knock, Rain, Knock, explores the cultural significance of rain in Qatar. The exhibition features new works from seven artists, including Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Farah Al Sidiky, Fatima Abbas, Guillaume Rouseré, Hind Al Saad, Nada Elkharashi, and Sara Al Naimi. On display at the Kwangju Bank Art Hall until December 1, 2024, the exhibition centers around Salat al istisqaa’, a prayer for rain during droughts, with the theme extending to water symbolism, Arab and Islamic identity, and community experiences in public spaces.
The Qatar Pavilion is part of the broader Gwangju Biennale and complements the main exhibition, Pansori: A Soundscape of the 21st Century. This collaboration is a significant cultural milestone in the ongoing partnership between Qatar and South Korea, deepening their connection through art. The National Museum of Qatar remains focused on preserving the country’s heritage while integrating it into contemporary life. The Pavilion’s artworks offer insights into Islamic and traditional identity, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
