The German Embassy Doha and the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region cooperate with Qatar Museums and the Doha Fire Station to bring German street artist Kera and his artist colleague Tomislav Topic to Qatar. Together they will create art to cover the walls at the Doha Fire Station from 20 to 28 October as part of the Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture.

From this week, visitors to the Fire Station Artist in Residence will see the two artists at work every afternoon and during the early evening from 20 to 28 October 2017. Both artists draw inspiration for their art works from the surfaces and the surroundings of the walls they are working on.

This is Tomislav Topic’s first visit to the Gulf Region, and describing the experience he says “We will have new encounters and hopefully meet a number of local people from Qatar. Our first priority of course will be the wall painting and we will see what else will be possible on site. Our experience from other trips like this suggests that there will be plenty of time for exploration and discovery. We are really very excited.”

German artist Kera who has worked on printing techniques and facade design for more than 15 years adds, “I am interested in absorbing some of the modern Arabic art scene in the Arabian Gulf. An exchange or possibly a collaboration with local Arab artists would also be very enriching.” Maya Röder, project manager of Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture, emphasises, “The Doha Fire Station with its artist in residence program is the perfect venue for such an artist exchange. We are very happy to realize this programme as part of Qatar Germany 2017 and to leave a legacy of our cooperation beyond 2017.” Kera who has created his art work in cities around the world concludes, “For me, it is very charming to leave a work of art or wall paintings in a city, which can also be enjoyed by the people who live there. After I have left, it will be in the public space or on a building and I will leave my trace in an artistic way.”

Mohamed Al Othman, Public and International Relations Director at Qatar Museums, said: “The Doha Fire Station is a creative hub where artists encounter one another, engage in creative dialogue and develop their craft. We are proud to welcome such talented German artists to put their stamp on this wonderful space and to explore the flourishing art scene in Qatar. This visit is the latest highlight of our Year of Culture programme and encapsulates the initiative’s success in promoting mutual understanding and building recognition and appreciation between our two countries.”

On 25 October 2017 at 7:30 pm Kera and Tomislav invite interested art enthusiasts to the Doha Fire Station for a discussion. During this “Meet the Artists” event, both artists will be interviewed by Bahaaeldin Abudaya, curator of the Doha Fire Station Artist in Residence. During their stay in Doha, Kera and Tomislav Topic will also host a workshop for students of the German International School Doha.

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Leena Chung

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