MOHAMED KHOULAIDI

DOHA ARABMuseum of Modern Art (Mathaf) will be closed from May 27 for summer maintenance and preparations for a new exhibition coming this fall.

The museum will also mark the end of its first solo artist exhibition, ‘Cai Guo-Qiang: Saraab’, with a lavish closing ceremony scheduled for Saturday.

A fun-filled day awaits visitors from 11 am to 6 pm. The ceremony will include art activities for the whole family, live musical performances by the Marasi Arabic Music Ensemble, a book signing, and many other activities.

“The closing celebration of ‘Cai Guo-Qiang: Saraab’ exhibition will be an exciting opportunity for those who haven’t had a chance to see the exhibition, as well as a time to welcome back the volunteers and community members who have helped make the exhibition and its programs a success” said Michelle Dezember, Head of Education at Mathaf.

“A diverse range of activities have been planned for this event that aim to provide something interesting for all ages and interests. We are looking forward to welcoming families and art lovers at Mathaf in their last chance to view this enchanting and must-see exhibition.” ‘Cai Guo-Qiang: Saraab’ exhibition by internationally renowned Chinese-born artist Cai Guo-Qiang had begun on December 5, 2011.

‘Cai Guo-Qiang: Saraab’ is the first single-artist exhibition at Mathaf since its opening in December 2010.

In ‘Saraab’ (Mirage), Cai explores the complex connections between Qatar and his hometown of Quanzhou, a city once known as one of China’s largest seaports and a gateway to the historic Silk Road on sea.

‘Saraab’ showcases Cai’s body of work and approach, crossing artistic mediums of drawing, installation, video, and his explosion creations.

It features more than 50 works, including 16 newly commissioned large-scale, site-specific installations and new examples of his signature “gunpowder drawings”.

In addition, Saraab includes 30 recent works and nine documentary videos that trace the artist’s development over the years as well as expand awareness of the artist’s creative process.