Lusail Museum's inaugural exhibition at Mathaf reexamines Jean-Léon Gérôme's Orientalism amid contemporary Arab art

The Lusail Museum in Doha, which is scheduled to open in 2026 and will house the largest collection of Orientalist paintings, has initiated its inaugural exhibition titled 'Seeing is Believing: The Art and Influence of Gérôme,' in partnership with Mathaf. This exhibition, running until 22 February, commemorates the 200th anniversary of French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme's birth and is curated by Emily Weeks. It showcases Gérôme's precise techniques and contextual relevance. Giles Hudson explores Gérôme's impact on photography, notably referencing National Geographic's 1984 'Afghan Girl.' Additionally, Sara Raza features contemporary Arab artists who challenge Orientalist narratives. Inci Eviner's piece 'Harem' (2009) was removed, deemed an act of censorship. The exhibition critically examines the portrayal of Orientalist art in the Arab world and its effects on identity.