Update: I also showed in 2024, but have not written about it yet. If you would like newer info, feel free to email me.
In 2019 I was invited to exhibit in a Scrap Metal Art Show in Doha Qatar. I was one of 3 American artists out of the 30 international artists who were invited. It was an amazing opportunity and an even greater experience!
I first received the invitation in late summer and honestly wasn’t sure how legitimate is was (many artists felt the same!), but after talking to my contact, I jumped on board and started making specific work for the show. I decided on Arabic themed metal art, specifically designs that would appeal to Qatar natives such as camels, oryxes and falcons. I took five large pieces and also some smaller pieces to sell at the show’s ‘bazaar’. I spent two weeks in Doha while the show ran and met a lot of new friends and talked to thousands of people at the show.
The Scrap Metal Art show was hosted by the Souq Waqif Art Center and held in a large plaza in the Souq. It was housed under three enormous domes and open to the public daily. The routine of the show was a mix of slower mornings while groups of school children had a field trip, while each evening was like another opening night with live music, and a constant stream of visitors.
Although the show ran daily, I did have some time to explore the local area and take some side trips. I was able to ride a camel, go ‘dune bashing’ and visit some of the local museums and galleries. We stayed in hotels near the show, so each day included a short walk through the Souq to get to the show.
Here is a selection of the work I took to the show:
I was very excited to have sold all large pieces I had with me, and almost all of the items I had in the bazaar. I received a lot of positive feedback (which is what every artist needs on occasion!) and most of all had an amazing experience.
Here are some more photos from the trip: