A photography exhibition, Qatar Brazil: A Journey from the Amazon to the Desert, is being held at Katara.
The exhibition, in Qatar Photographic Society (QPS)’s Gallery 18 opened yesterday, and is a “unique” visual interpretation of this year’s Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture.
The event runs until June 30.
Held under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums, Qatar Brazil 2014 is the third consecutive Year of Culture, organised by Qatar Museums, following Qatar UK 2013 and Qatar Japan 2012.
In collaboration with QPS and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, and sponsored by Qatar Petroleum International (QPI) and Qatar Shell, Qatar Brazil 2014 sent two Qatari photographers from QPS - Aref al-Ammari and Abdullah al-Tamimi - on a two-week expedition across Brazil to photograph its landscapes, people, food, culture and touristic highlights.
The aim was to capture the essence of Brazil through Qatari eyes.
Two Brazilian photographers - Andre Joaquim and Leonardo Wen - were also invited to Qatar to journey across the Arabian Peninsula to experience its history, people, tradition, food and culture through Brazilian eyes. This exhibition showcases the best photographs taken during the two trips.
The Qatari photographers started their exploration of Brazil in the state of Minas Gerais. “Visiting the local people at the old villages, we saw how simple their life was yet they were very happy and didn’t mind us photographing them,” recalled Qatari photographer al-Tamimi.
Next on the itinerary was Amazonia. In Belem, besides exploring the narrow streets of the old city, seeing the local arts and crafts, navigating the Amazon river by boat and hanging out with the locals and the wildlife, the team managed to find time to learn about samba and speak to the local news station about their trip.
The final phase of the expedition was in Rio de Janeiro, where the photographers stepped into the world of the favelas.
Expressing his thoughts, al-Ammari said: “There are many differences between our two nations, yet I found many similarities. It’s amazing how far apart we are, yet so close to each other.”
In Qatar, the Brazilian photographers embarked on their journey of discovery by heading to Al Shamal in the north. There, they had their first taste of Qatari history with a visit to Al Zubarah fort.
On the same day, they visited Al Areesh, a Qatari fishing village. For dinner, they went to Souq Waqif. Next, the team went to Zekreet where they witnessed the new Richard Serra installation, “East West -West East”, and spent the evening barbequing in the desert under the stars.
Speaking on his experience in Qatar, Wen said: “Qatar is a special place on earth; its people, urban and natural landscape, religion, light and energy make it a unique place for any photographer.”
The photographers also visited the Museum of Islamic Art, walked along the Doha Corniche, sailed on a traditional dhow, toured Katara and admired the Grand Mosque. On their final day, they went dune-bashing to Khor al-Udaid on an Inland Sea desert trek.
“It was really nice to work as a team and learn from such talented photographers,” said Joaquim.
Mansour al-Mahmoud, acting CEO of Qatar Museums, said: “We are honoured that HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage has joined us to celebrate this great event. The Years of Culture initiative is all about bringing people together, exchanging cultures and celebrating our shared humanity. Qatar Brazil 2014 has achieved all of these objectives through this fantastic exhibition.”
Addressing the event as a platinum sponsor for Qatar Brazil 2014, Nasser al-Jaidah, CEO of QPI, said: “The initiative not only brings together Qatari and Brazilian individuals and institutions for the year, but also helps build lasting connections between two nations.”
Wael Sawan, managing director and chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, said: “Through its various partnerships, Qatar Shell remains committed to cultural and economic exchange and is proud to serve as a common thread that helps unite both Qatar and Brazil in their energy ambitions.”
Admission to the photography exhibition is free and open to all.