DOHA THREE art exhibitions featuring cinematic figures such as Elizabeth Taylor and classic television series ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ opened at Katara on Sunday to coincide with the upcoming Doha Tribeca Film Festival.
The exhibitions are entitled ‘Intangible Brides’, a collection of photographs by Japanese photographer Kimiko Yoshida, ‘Elizabeth Taylor in Iran, 1976’ by Firooz Zahedi and ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ by Iranian-American artist Eric Esmail Parnes.
Talking to Qatar Tribune, Parnes said, “My works at this exhibition focus on images and themes from a popular American television programme, ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ to address issues of my personal identity- being from the Middle East and living in the States.” Parnes added, “People are heavily influenced by instances of popular culture. For example, if you ask Americans where Iraq is they most of them may express their ignorance, but if you ask them about ‘I Dream of Jeannie’, they will certainly know it. This is a starting point for my artistic examinations of the relationship between the East and the West in this exhibition.” The artist used a variety of medium, including mixed medium objects and sculpture, painting, video installation, photography and other unique materials in his exhibits. The expo, curated by Sa’id Costa, curator of Visual Arts Exhibitions and Educational Programs at Katara Gallery 2, will run until November 24.
The Iranian-American artist is also participating in the International Artist in Residency Program, which is developed and supported by Katara.
The ‘Intangible Brides’ features Yoshida’s interpretation of the Middle Eastern, Arab and North African traditional dress and accessories. Through her unique work, Yoshida reveals a blend of countless cultures, rituals and mythologies to portray timeless female beauty while emphasising not only the human diversity but also the similarities. The exhibition, which marks the last event in the celebration of 40 years of friendship between Qatar and Japan, will run until December 1, at Gallery 2, Building 18, Katara.
‘Elizabeth Taylor in Iran’ presents exclusive photographs of the late Hollywood actress during her visit to Iran in 1976, which have never been seen before in the Middle East.
The Iranian-American photographer Zahedi moved to the US to study and subsequently became friends with Elizabeth Taylor and Andy Warhol. He took photographs of celebrities, including of Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie and Barbra Streisand. The works will be on display at Katara Gallery 1, Building 19, until December 1.
Post a Comment
Post a Comment