Evolution Nation: How public art became part of Qatar’s cultural identity

Across Qatar, public art is increasingly prevalent in everyday spaces such as along the Corniche, in parks, cultural institutions, neighbourhoods and beyond in the desert landscape. Former Qatar Museums (QM) Board of Trustees member, HE Dr Eng Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi highlights public art as one of the key achievements in shaping Qatar’s cultural identity during his tenure at QM.

"One of the most important achievements was that it added value to the State of Qatar and truly highlighted Qatar’s identity and creativity, which is the subject of public art," he shared.

QM's public art collection features works from Qatari, regional and international artists, expanding art from traditional gallery spaces to daily public encounters. The most recent addition is Erwin Wurm’s Pink Convertible Big, a sculpture created in 2019 from cast aluminium and lacquer, belonging to Wurm’s Fat Car series. The artwork offers a humorous commentary on consumerism, materialism and excess.

Other notable public art pieces include Fischli and Weiss’s Rock on Top of Another Rock at the Museum of Islamic Art Park, Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East at Brouq Nature Reserve, and Urs Fischer’s Lamp Bear at Hamad International Airport. Along the waterfront, Toub Toub Ya Bahar by Salman al-Malek and Motherland by Hassan bin Mohammed al-Thani draw from traditional Qatari songs and history.

These artworks, created by Qatari artists like Ahmed al-Bahrani, Shouq al-Mana, Bouthayna al-Muftah and Aisha Nasser al-Sowaidi, have become an integral part of Qatar’s evolving visual landscape. Al-Muhannadi emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural foundations while continuing to develop them for future generations. The Evolution Nation video series, part of the broader Qatar Creates cultural movement, highlights individuals who have contributed to Qatar’s artistic, historical, and cultural development over the past five decades.