Art Basel Qatar Opens Amid Criticism, Iranian Cultural Sites Damaged in Strikes
The inaugural Art Basel Qatar launched in Doha last month, establishing a new art fair destination in the Persian Gulf region. Concurrently, military strikes by the US and Israel reportedly damaged historic palaces in Isfahan, Iran, raising concerns about cultural heritage destruction. In related developments, over 200 artists and cultural groups have called on the British Museum to cease altering wall texts about Palestine following pressure from pro-Israel advocates. Additional art news includes a new exhibition by Amoako Boafo, a profile of Whitney Biennial artist Ali Eyal, and various art book recommendations for March reading.
Key facts
- Art Basel Qatar debuted in Doha in February 2026
- US and Israeli strikes damaged centuries-old palaces in Isfahan, Iran
- Over 200 artists urged the British Museum to stop altering Palestinian-related wall texts
- Amoako Boafo presents new exhibition 'I Bring Home With Me'
- Ali Eyal, a Whitney Biennial artist from Baghdad, was profiled
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Art Basel Qatar
- British Museum
- Whitney Biennial
- Abrons Arts Center
- The Bell Gallery, Brown University
- Roberts Projects, Los Angeles
Locations
- Doha, Qatar
- Isfahan, Iran
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Baghdad
- Kingsbury, Texas