Art in Qatar between Modernism and Postmodernism: Yousef Ahmed as a Case Study

The article discusses the development of art and art movements in Qatar. Throughout the paper, I examine modern and postmodern arts and highlight the roles of different factors that could influence artists in their move between modern and postmodern art and vise-versa. The forms of art developed during the modernist and postmodern periods were influenced by the traits of the people. For example, the modernists constantly searched for the abstract truth of life, while the postmodernists did not believe in the abstract truth. It is important to recognize that postmodern culture is a reaction against the culture of modernism. The works of postmodern artists create reality, whereas those of modernist artists reflect reality. During history, political crisis, natural crisis, economic development and social move have always played fundamental roles in art practice and movement in the world. Through studying art movement of the Qatari artist Yousef Ahmed and his transitions between modern and postmodern art, this paper nalyzes the reasons that might drove post-modern artists to look back at modernism. The paper addresses this question: why did Yousef Ahmed return to modernism after his huge success as a postmodernist artist? Through looking at the question, we realized that the reason for such move it could be the individuals’ real experiences in the real world. Yousef Ahmed had to look back to modernism to move from metaphor to reality so that he could better express his attachment to his culture

Presentation of Qatari Identity at National Museum of Qatar: Between Imagination and Reality

This article discusses the proposal of the presentation of a single homogenous identity at the new National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), due to open in 2019, presenting a discussion of Qatari identity and the historical factors that create such an identity. The article raises a series of questions for the theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of presentation of the Qatari identity, such as which form of Qatari identity should be presented at NMoQ: a single homogenous identity, or the diversity that exists within the national population? If the Museum’s presentation focused on a single identity, how far would such a presentation be accepted and perceived by the Qatari public? This paper also considers the impact of the current political crisis, the blockade against Qatar by some of its neighbours and the severing of diplomatic relationships, which has resulted in Qatari citizens coming together in a show of unity

Deterritorialization in the context of cultural heritage and globalizing Msheireb downtown Doha

The State of Qatar has witnessed rapid urban activity and development in the decades since the discovery of oil, which has led to a large-scale change in the local cultural heritage and behavior of its residents. This uncontrolled rapid urbanization, along with the acceleration of globalization and modernity that has encompassed all areas, especially the city of Doha, has led to the deterioration and destruction of the downtown area of Msheireb. These transformations threaten the identity and local culture of Qatari society, affecting the place's sense of identity. The country's authorities have rushed to implement strategies and development plans aimed at redeveloping the old city center and improving the environment by creating innovative and inspiring living spaces that enable both locals and foreigners to communicate and integrate with one another to restore a sense of community. This study addresses the “Msheireb Downton Doha” project and the consequences of globalization. The study examines the concept of “deterritorialization” as a cultural condition that has pushed Msheireb Downtown Doha from modernity to postmodernism as an element of globalization. In this study, we will analyze the reconstruction of Msheireb, which helped to move the city toward cultural universality while simultaneously reducing regional borders. The study will analyze the extent to which this process succeeded or failed in preserving the spirit of the area's traditional architectural heritage and cultural identity in a manner that reflects the genuine sentiments and values of Qatari society

متحف الشيخ فيصل بن قاسم واقتصاد المعرفة: من المقتنيات الخاصة إلى الملك العام

This article discusses the newly emergent notion of the knowledge economy, which is an economy based on the arts and sciences, accompanied by an understanding of the role of knowledge in the development of the economy and human societies. The complex and multifaceted relationship between culture and the economy is comprehensively explored by examining a private museum, the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Museum in Qatar (FQM), which is home to an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and cultural objects. Analyzing the practices of FQM helped explore the relationship between intellectual property and the knowledge economy. The article raises the following questions: To what extent can investment in cultural heritage and museums be considered a contribution to the knowledge economy? How important is the contribution of the private sector to the knowledge economy? The article further explores the role of the humanities and creative arts in the knowledge economy

Quality Assurance Model in Enhancing the Professional Development Content

The purpose of this research is to identify aspects of the quality assurance model to develop high-quality professional development content. The research reviewed relevant literature to collect major processes and procedures quality assurers used and followed to enhance the quality of the training content. In addition, the research referred to a current model that has been used by researchers in a UAE governmental organization. The results introduce a comprehensive model that includes the overall quality assurance cycle, interaction with other content experts, the characteristics of high-quality content, procedures quality assurers and involved professionals should follow. The research recommended applying the proposed procedures and actions to place professionals in a well-structured quality assurance model that considers training needs, instructional designers and learners’ feedback, content experts and other involved professionals. This would ensure information and feedback is conveyed during content development and quality assurance process to address the requirements of the learners

The Cytotoxicity of Aflatoxin B1 in Human Lymphocytes

Objectives: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a naturally occurring carcinogenic and immunosuppressive compound. This study was designed to measure its toxic effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Methods: The study recruited 7 healthy volunteers. PBMC were isolated and cellular respiration was monitored using a phosphorescence oxygen analyser. The intracellular caspase activity was measured by the caspase-3 substrate N-acetyl-asp-glu-val-asp-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. Phosphatidylserine exposure and membrane permeability to propidium iodide (PI) were measured by flow cytometry. Results: Cellular oxygen consumption was inhibited by 2.5 μM and 25 μM of AFB1. Intracellular caspase activity was noted after two hours of incubation with 100 μM of AFB1. The number of Annexin V-positive cells increased as a function of AFB1 concentration and incubation time. At 50 μM, a significant number of cells became necrotic after 24 hours (Annexin V-positive and PI-positive). Conclusion: The results show AFB1 is toxic to human lymphocytes and that its cytotoxicity is mediated by apoptosis and necrosis

Multi-layered documentation of heritage villages: The case of tinbak, qatar

Heritage settlements have long histories that consist of multiple layers of urban layouts, building forms, and culture. Looking at the first layer that formed the initiation stage of the growth becomes a difficult task because of the disguise of other successive layers. This article studies the abandoned village of Tinbak in Qatar that exemplifies a settlement at its initial stage of development. The method of examining a societal normative image of culturally suitable domiciliary development adds to the understanding of a heritage settlement layout. However, the village lacks literature sources and urban and architectural documentation. So, this article presents the first documentation of the tangible characteristics of both urban morphology and architectural typology. Site visits, oral documentation, photographic records and a 3D Faro scanner with a 130 m range were utilized to record and document the physical environment.This work was supported by the Qatar University under Internal Grant # QUCG-CENG-19/20-2

National Museum of Qatar: New Architectural language, New Vision

The original Qatar National Museum that was established in 1975 as a pioneer museum in the gulf region was closed in 2005 for renovation. The new National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) took more than a decade, around fourteen years from 2005-2019 to accomplish. It is one of Qatar’s mega projects, which was opened with a VIP opening celebration that was held in 27th of March 2019, and opened officially for the public on 28th. After more than a decade in creation, the NMoQ finally designed to reflect and narrate the story, history and ambition of the state and to become an icon for modern Doha. Ever since its establishment in 1975 the national museum has been a matter of making a place for the Qatari culture and history. Although the museum is refurbished into totally new vision and setting, it still belongs to the same history and serves the same nation. Both visions are pursuing to identify the continuance progressions of the country, which takes the state's history as its stem. However, we need to know which methodology the current establishment is using, and to what drama it could lead? What differences does the present introduce with respect to the past? This paper discusses and analyses the interpretation of the Qatari culture, heritage, and history, by examining the architecture of the new NMoQ. The purpose of the paper is to trace and compare the national museum’s presentation and interpretation of Qatari culture and history, between the past and present, through its architecture. In addition, the paper investigates the changing economic, social, and political codes of Qatar through the reordering of cultural materials

Museums in Qatar and their Educational Role in a Learning-Ecosystem Approach

This article discusses the role of museums in Qatar as participants in an educational ecosystem. An educational ecosystem is an educational approach that involves a network of participants, rather than being confined to educational institutions and learners. This approach aims to increase the quality of education and achieve educational excellence through building a culture of lifelong learning. This article analyses the ways in which Qatar Museums (QM) embodies this approach, by considering its relationship with the education sector and local community. The objective of this evaluation is to identify how museums conceptualize their educational roles within the community and how these museums complement the educational-ecosystem approach which some educational institutions are already employing in Qatar. It is clear that, despite the fact that QM has a clear cultural and educational agenda, the gap between QM, the community, and the educational sector is apparent. Thus, I argue here that advocacy is vital for museums to support their new educational programs. In addition, a collaborative national agenda should be developed between the museum sector, educational sector, and community in order to encourage lifelong learning

The role of museums in correcting the distorted image of Islam: A comparative study between Qatar and Singapore

The paper analyses attempts and efforts in Qatar and by the Muslim community in Singapore to showcase a comprehensive picture of Islam at cultural institutions, museums, and galleries. The aim of such efforts is to reach out to interact with other faiths and cultures and engage in fruitful dialogue that could correct distorted images of Islam and Muslims, a form of 'cultural diplomacy'. Such attempts have led the Harmony Centre in Singapore (a focus in the article) and the Museums Authority in Qatar (a second focus) to become more vocal, taking a stand on global and other events and abuses. These institutions have started to think of themselves as active agents for social awareness and also seek ever more to address political issues in their exhibitions and programmes. In the process, museums and galleries have become a more vocal space for speaking out and educating about relevant issues relating to Islam and its imaging, and to mutual tolerance between members of different faiths. Cultural presentations, interfaith dialogue, and individual relationships are vital to achieving these ends, and may also have significant political effects, enhancing Muslim communities' soft power. Singapore and Qatar, both small countries, aspire to become global actors, and are using museums as a global showcase for diplomatically chosen aspects of Islamic ethics and principles, and a more comprehensive picture of a tolerant and peace-loving Islam.Scopu