Cai Guo-Qiang Curates “What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China” in Doha

The exhibit is the product of three years of curatorial research and development. Housed in Gallery Al Riwaq, which is comprised of more than 35,000 square feet, the exhibition examines the subject of creativity in relation to modern practices by Chinese artists that aims to challenge both traditional Chinese aesthetics and Western art.

Each artist’s work is located in an independent gallery space, drawing on individual artistic expression, concepts, and methodologies. The works range from painting, sculpture, installation, video, performance, and interactive video game design. Among the highlights is a 60-minute documentary entitled What About the Art?, directed by Shanshan Xia and produced by 33 Studio NY, exploring the global pursuit of creativity in society.

In addition, scholar Wang Mingxian has curated “Timeline,” a gallery dedicated to exposing visitors to the historical and cultural development of Chinese art from 1949 to the present.

As part of the key program in the 2016 Qatar-China Year of Culture, the exhibition has received funding from China National Arts Fund, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture, and Shanghai International Culture Association.

“What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China” is on display through July 16 at Qatar Museums Gallery Al Riwaq in Doha, Qatar.