As the Grand Hyatt prepares to host the ‘Whatever It Takes’ and 21st Century Leaders gala dinner on Friday evening, the finishing touches are being put to an exhibition room which will feature the work of a number of world-renowned artists. Some of the works to be hung in the room will be for sale, while others will go under the hammer at an auction to be held on Saturday, and the artists themselves will choose which programmes and charities they wish to support with the proceeds. The six artists displaying at the exhibition include Doha-based Boo Beaumont, Qatari artists Yousef Ahmad and Amal al-Anthem as well as Gayle Wells Mandle, Lorenzo Quinn and Sacha Jafri. Jafri is the youngest living artist to have a 10-year retrospective, and his work is currently touring the world after opening in Sharjah and travelling to the Guggenheim and the Tate Modern Gallery. He is in Doha to show a selection of his works because of his respect for the organiser of the event, Charlotte di Vita MBE, who he describes as “very rare.” “I get asked to do many things for humanitarian and charitable causes, but most of them are driven by self-interest and cost more than they generate which I think is very hypocritical,” he said, adding “but Charlotte is different - she is doing this for all the right reasons and I believe her.” Beaumont, who has also had her work displayed all over the world and has portrayed such well known and diverse figures as Mother Theresa and Baroness Boothroyd, is also pleased to be a part of the exhibition, explaining that the philanthropic aspect of the event is the fundamental reason for her participation. The award-winning photographer currently lives in Doha, and she describes the art scene here as “very exciting,” claiming that the surroundings have proven to be a great inspiration for her work. Beaumont will be showing a selection of her X-Ray Flowers collection which has received critical acclaim around the world. “All my inspiration comes from nature and how it interacts with itself,” she said, adding “I am fascinated by the complex relationships within nature.” “My flower photographs are an embodiment of that,” she added. The exhibition will officially be opened on Friday evening before the gala dinner, and the exhibitors will be at the hotel from 10.30 until 11.30am on Saturday to present their work to the public. http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=322865&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar