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Ailyn Agonia
DOHA
THE Shapes of Water Exhibition, a showcase of social design projects and products related to the uses of water, opened at the Msheireb Enrichment Centre on Wednesday.
It is organised by the Embassy of Italy in Doha and the Triennale di Milano in partnership with Msheireb Properties.
Doha is the first city where the special travelling exhibition was held paving way for a broader regional tour. It also marks the first official event taking place in the framework of the 2018 Qatar Sustainability Week, an initiative promoted by the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) to be held from October 27 to November 3.
"The exhibition we present today is part of a special programme named 'Italy, Culture and the Mediterranean', launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote dialogue and enhance cultural exchanges within the Mediterranean, the Middle-East and the Gulf regions, highlighting the extraordinary cultural variety and inputs that this part of the world has absorbed over history. It is composed of a meaningful selection of social design projects and products dedicated to the various uses of water. By showcasing the items realised by designers of different nationalities, the exhibition aims to present water as a unifying value among peoples, rather than a matter of commercial promotion or a cause of geopolitical clashes, as unfortunately often happens around the world," Italian Ambassador to Qatar HE Pasquale Salzano said.
The collection features objects related to different uses of water and reflective of different cultural backgrounds and values, sending out a strong message on environmental challenges. They are works of selected group of designers from Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, among others.
Also featured is an art piece by Qatari female designer Shaikha al Sulaiti named 'Msheireb Light'. The work symbolises Qatar's support for truth, clarity and transparency while being surrounded by success and prosperity as represented by the elements of water, brass enclosure and the Rosso Levanto marble reflecting the colours of the Qatari flag. The piece is also highlighted with an Arabic text in brass taken from Qatar's national anthem and translates to 'Qatar will always be free'.
"Today, from Doha, we are sending out a very powerful message of cultural inclusion and openness to diversity. Qatar does not close the doors to cultural exchange, to dialogue, to cooperation. Qatar is an example of inclusiveness, no matter where an art piece comes from. Culture is meant to express the best side of human beings and is a powerful means to overcome divisions.
"In this inspiring place, surrounded by the sea, we want to celebrate water as an essential element for life, nature and humankind. It is also our way to encourage through art and design all initiatives that can contribute to raising awareness on the important topic of environmental sustainability and careful use of natural resources," the Italian envoy further said.
Ambassador Salzano also announced that in the framework of the 2018 Qatar Sustainability Week, the embassy will sign a partnership agreement with Elite Paper Recycling company to jointly promote environmental sustainability and recycling through programmes and activities.
Commenting on the exhibition, Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties Ali al Kuwari said,"Msheireb Properties, a developer of one of the most sustainable city districts in the world, is proud to be part of this cultural and artistic event and host such an exhibition at Msheireb Enrichment Centre, the landmark destination created by Msheireb Properties to serve as an educational portal, showcasing Qatar's glorious past and soaring ambitions for the future."
Qatar Green Building Council Director Eng Meshal al Shamari said currently the Qatar Sustainability Week 2018 has over 200 registered activities and supported by various ministries, universities, municipalities and key players in the private sector.
The Shapes of Water exhibition will be open for public viewing until November 3.
