Are you an art enthusiast? If you answered no, then ILQ is going to sincerely beseech you to leave your comfort zone and try something new and out of the box. One member of our team was commissioned to go and check out an art event. Slowly but surely, an increasing number of the ILQ group started going after hearing about how much the first member of our team enjoyed it. It was a pure domino effect.

The event is Doha’s second New York Times “Art for Tomorrow” Conference under the patronage of Qatar Museums and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani.

We went to the art gallery on the 29th floor at the W hotel. Once you walk in, you are welcomed by two beautiful hangings of butterflies. One consisted of shades, the other a mixture of beige and warm tones. Sheikh Hassan Al Thani, the artist of this piece, described how the colors used for his work carry meaning and symbolism. The details give his work a sense of depth and creates a greater appreciation for his art.

It was interesting, while exploring the art collection of Sheikh Hassan, one quickly discovers that everything represents a part of a fellow human-being’s story. Whether it’s a memory, a feeling, or an experience, these artists derive inspiration from their lives and share it with all of us. While looking at Sheikh Hassan’s exhibits, it exhibited a very personal vibe. It was almost as if while one is getting acquainted with his art, one is getting to know him personally as well.

The below photographs are from His Royal Highness Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark’s Soundwall exhibition.

Prince Nikolaos’ exhibit was an interesting experience for us. We didn’t feel as if we were simply looked upon this piece, but it felt like we were actually experiencing it. This picture stood in a room where one would be enclosed with minimal light. As we looked upon this picture, many of us felt as if we were standing before these dark endless waters. We were transfixed. This was no longer just a picture. Had it not been for the risk of appearing as a group of complete weirdos, we likely would have remained in the room looking upon the image of these waters. These pictures felt real.

Laurence Winram, a Scottish photographer, shared a selection from "The Conemen" series. These photographs illicit curiosity and stimulate your imagination. You'll find yourself looking upon the photos trying to describe what is happening, asking questions, and looking for details. It all happens involuntarily, and everyone viewing will have a different perspective on the same photograph. It was a lot of fun and we would highly recommend checking them out!

There was so much more to see, to learn, and to enjoy. Today is the last day to experience this art conference. We encourage you to visit the 29th floor at the W hotel and enjoy this event before it’s over. It is absolutely worth stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new and surreal.

Title Picture: Created by Sheikh Hassan Al Thani

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