By Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula
Doha: Pallas Arts, Qatar’s first registered arts brokerage which was launched yesterday, is set to boost Qatar’s thriving arts and culture landscape as well as support charitable and humanitarian projects.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the launch yesterday at Mondrian Doha, Pallas Arts co-founder Mariame Farqane said the brokerage was founded to help local artists gain international recognition while bringing exciting new artworks and exhibitions to Qatar through collaborations.
“I have long had a vision of giving artists greater visibility and using art as a force for good, more than simply as a vehicle for buying and selling pieces. It is important to note that selling art is not all we do. We aim to showcase new artists in Qatar and beyond,” stressed Farqane.
Co-founder Alvaro Meija believes Qatar’s growing arts and culture scene which the world is paying attention to makes the country a perfect fit for Pallas Arts.
“We also believe that Qatar can emulate the like of places such as Paris and New York in terms of what it can offer art and culture lovers – but done so in a way that it’s authentic to Qatar’s rich history and culture. Just like we have seen the Museum of Islamic Art and the Fire Station do,” said Mejia.
He added: “The talent from local artists and demand from art-loving communities across the county is striking. We want to give a platform to people like Yousef Bahzad and Faisal Al Hajri – because we believe that their work deserves to be on the international stage. “
According to co-founder Lewnis Boudaoui, Pallas Arts will be using art, auctions, and exhibitions to support charitable and humanitarian projects in Qatar and overseas, one of which is Bab’El Institute- an education initiative.
“Headquartered out of Qatar, and using proceeds from Pallas Arts, Bab’el is a centre that will promote intercultural exchange and education on the connection between Eastern and Western cultures. It will dedicate itself to providing education through exhibitions, international conferences, forums and events,” said Boudaoui, adding they have already started collaborating with Ambassadors in Qatar and officials from other countries for the initiative.
To mark the launch, internationally acclaimed urban artist Cyril Kongo, showcased his latest project – a custom painted 1983 Rolls Royce Silver Spur. Kongo’s piece will later go up for auction with proceeds going to charitable courses.
Dana Al Fardan was also revealed as Pallas Arts’ official music partner. She will be composing pieces for upcoming events.
It was also announced that Pallas Arts’ first pop-up exhibition will open on February 17 featuring artworks from international and Qatari emerging talents, such as Yousef Bahzad.
Sheikha Nouf Faisal Al Thani will be supporting the project with flowers from her business H.E.N.K.S.
Axel Gasser, General Manager of the Mondrian Doha hotel “We are honored to be hosting Pallas Arts’ launch at Mondrian Doha. Art and design is at the core of our DNA at sbe entertainment and we can’t think of a better place to launch the initiative.”