On the occasion of The Holy Month of Ramadan and under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Dr. Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, Roche Bobois impulses “Qatari Art Meets the Mah Jong” Charity Auctionin collaboration with AlBahie Auction House to raise funds in benefit of Rofaqa, a Qatar Charity initiative that provides an integrated care program for orphan children around the world.

Twelve distinct Qatar-based artists have freely and totally re-imagined one of the most iconic pieces of the French house, the Mah Jong sofa. The twelve unique pieces of art went under the hammer on the evening of June 7.

It is soon to confirm the total raised amount as bidders have up to 7 days to proceed with payment, however the estimated raised amount reported is 138,725 QAR

A press preview and private viewing of the exhibition Qatari Art Meets the Mah Jong was hold on Wednesday 31 May at AlBahie Auction House. Exhibition of the art works was open to the public from Thursday 1 June until the evening of Wednesday 6 June. Charity Auction event took place on the evening of June 7.

Following the success of similar events in Mexico, US, the UK, Spain, Brussels, Kazakhstan and more recently Hong Kong and Beirut, Qatar has now put its own spin on the project.

Further strengthening its ties with art, true to its values of creativity and design, Roche Bobois has invited twelve Local Qatar-based artists to create artworks using the squarecushioned components of Roche Bobois’ Mah Jong modular sofa system. l

These twelve distinct contemporary artists, masters in their fields, have freely and totally re-imagined one of the most iconic pieces of the French house, the Mah Jong sofa. Twelve surprising works, each with their own character and personality, all unique pieces that were born with a spirit of solidarity; that of raising funds for Rofaqa initiative.

The twelve artists invited to reinterpret the Mah Jong have been selected for the quality and ambition of their work and for their ability to respond to this project in the most exciting and creative way.

All funds raised are used to support Rofaqa initiative which aims to develop an advanced integrated care programme for orphans around the world, including social, educational, health and psychological care of orphans worldwide.

Designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971, the Mah Jong has become the most recognised of Roche Bobois’ innovative designs with versions produced by fashion icons Jean Paul Gaultier and Missoni, amongst others. Its low modular structure, that harks back to the North African and Middle Eastern majlis, invites users to relax and to lounge with friends and family in a way that was entirely new at the beginning of the 1970s for western cultures.

Following the exhibition, the works were auctioned at Albahie Auction House on June 7, with the aim of raising as much money as possible for Rofaqa initiative. It is soon to confirm the total raised amount as bidders have up to 7 days to proceed with payments, however the estimated raised amount reported is 138,725 QAR.

Nicolas Roche, Creative Director of Roche Bobois said:

“This is a wonderfully exciting project that celebrates creative expression and individuality. It’s been fascinating to see the variety of approaches and ideas to come from such a talented group of artists.

We’re delighted with the results and hope that collectors, Roche Bobois' clients and friends and all those who support contemporary art, creativity, invention and design will support the auction.”

Rami El Natsha, Deputy MD of Tivoli Group of Companies, business partner of Roche Bobois in Qatar continues:

“It is a great honour to be able to bring together on such a beautiful project, twelve first-class contemporary artists who are masters in their fields, strengthening ties between charity and art. We’re delighted to be supporting Rofaqa, a Qatar Charity initiative that provides care to orphans worldwide. There is no better time than the holy month of Ramadan to support philanthropic causes, offering orphan children around the world the hope of a brighter future.”

Ashraf Abu Issa, Chairman & CEO of Abu Issa Holding and co-founder of AlBahie Auction House said:

"AlBahie Auction House is pleased to host Roche Bobois and Q-Charity for this unique collaboration of Qatari artists and majlis-style sofas. We look forward to welcoming guests during the holy month of Ramadan in support of this initiative that brings together contemporary art and design for the benefit of Qatar Charity."