Qatar Pavilion Debuts at Gwangju Biennale with Rain-Themed Exhibition
This year’s 15th Gwangju Biennale will feature the first-ever Qatar Pavilion, which is significant as it’s the only Arab pavilion present. Curated by the National Museum of Qatar, the exhibition is called 'Knock, Rain, Knock' and explores the cultural, spiritual, and environmental significance of rain in Qatar. It’s inspired by the Salat al istisqaa', an Islamic prayer for rain during droughts, while addressing urgent topics like climate change and desertification. Seven artists, including Abdulrahman Al Muftah and Farah Al Sidiky, will present new works. The pavilion aligns with Qatar's 2030 Vision for Environmental Development and will be open at Art Hall in Gwangju Bank HQ from September 7 to December 1, 2024.
Key facts
- Qatar Museums announces first standalone Qatar Pavilion at Gwangju Biennale
- Exhibition titled 'Knock, Rain, Knock' curated by National Museum of Qatar
- Sole Arab representative pavilion at the 15th Gwangju Biennale
- Explores rain in Qatar through cultural, spiritual, and environmental lenses
- Anchored in Salat al istisqaa', a prayer for rain during drought
- Features seven Qatari and Qatar-based artists with newly commissioned works
- Addresses climate change, desertification, and water symbolism in Arab and Islamic traditions
- Pavilion runs from 7 September to 1 December 2024 at Art Hall, Gwangju Bank HQ
Entities
Artists
- Abdulrahman Al Muftah
- Farah Al Sidiky
- Fatima Abbas
- Guillaume Rouseré
- Nada El Kharashi
- Hind Al Saad
- Sara Al Naimi
Institutions
- Qatar Museums
- National Museum of Qatar
- Gwangju Biennale
- Gwangju Bank
Locations
- Qatar
- Gwangju
- South Korea
- Art Hall
- Gwangju Bank HQ