Doha, Qatar’s metropolitan capital, has emerged as a dynamic hub for contemporary art. Explore how the city has transformed its public spaces into an open-air museum, seamlessly integrating world-class public sculptures into a visual feast of urban landscaping.
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Force of Nature II (Lorenzo Quinn)
Looming over the seaside of Doha’s Katara Cultural Village, Force of Nature II is a mesmerising installation that captures the raw power of nature. The bronze and stainless steel statue depicts a figure of a woman hurling the Earth in a swirling motion; reminiscent of the forces that shape our planet. Artist Lorenzo Quinn’s masterful ability to convey movement and energy makes this installation a must-see.
Gandhi’s Three Monkeys (Subodh Gupta)
Subodh Gupta’s Gandhi’s Three Monkeys is a profound contemporary interpretation of the traditional proverb. This three-piece installation, also located at the Katara Cultural Village, consists of monkey heads crafted from repurposed materials, each symbolises different aspects of violence and oppression. For those staying at off-shore Doha resorts, such as luxury stays like Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, the installation’s convenient location at Katara Village makes it easy to access via a scenic ferry and coastal drive.
The Miraculous Journey (Damien Hirst)
One of Doha’s most controversial and awe-inspiring art installations, Damien Hirst’s The Miraculous Journey consists of 14 colossal bronze sculptures depicting the stages of human gestation—from conception to birth. Located in front of Sidra Medical and Research Center, this artwork challenges societal perspectives on life and birth, presenting the notion that life before birth entails an entire journey of its own.
Maman (Louise Bourgeois)
Following a similar testament, Louise Bourgeois’s Maman, an imposing spider sculpture, stands as a testament to maternal strength and protection. Crafted from bronze, stainless steel, and marble, this towering creature embodies themes of nurture and vulnerability, as the artist explores her personal reuminations of motherhood that could never be. Positioned at the Qatar National Convention Centre, Bourgeois’ work is known for its exploration of emotions and the subconscious.
East-West/West-East (Richard Serra)
Nestled in the heart of the Qatari desert, Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East is a striking minimalist installation consisting of four towering steel plates stretching over a kilometre. Located at a remote location in the Brouq Nature Reserve, harmonises with the vast desert surroundings, reflecting the passage of time and the dialogue between nature and human intervention.
