Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project at Mathaf

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha presents 'Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project,' a group exhibition featuring 58 artist books created during the Covid-19 pandemic. Initiated by Lebanese artist and curator Abed Al Kadiri of Dongola Limited Editions, the project began in summer 2020 when he sent blank handmade books to artists worldwide, asking them to respond to quarantine. The resulting works range from Samia Halaby's colorful 'The Dongola Book' to Hani Zurob's tar-blackened 'Zeft Book,' reflecting on isolation, trauma, and existential questions. The exhibition includes a tribute to Palestinian artist Laila Shawa, whose untouched book is displayed alongside a work from Mathaf's collection. Other deceased participants include Mona Saudi and Dia Batal. Al Kadiri's own book, interrupted by the 2020 Beirut explosion, remains partially blank. A second Mailbox Project is underway, addressing the war in Gaza. The show runs until May 4, 2024.