this Sand is made of Stars, this Sea is made of Pearls—Horizon Historiographies

This exhibition presents the work of 39 Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar alumni, with Curatorial Assistance from three Art History graduates, all of whom now enjoy success in their respective fields. Currently spread over the globe, this space reunites them as they celebrate 25 years of the University’s creative existence in Qatar.

The poetic title of the Exhibition is inspired by these alumni, their projects and the country in which they studied—Qatar. Their works are presented as a curated series of narratives or historiographies and are reminiscent of the local fables of Al Khor, tales that were once narrated when people gathered around a fire, keeping memory and faith alive.

Through this storytelling approach, the Curatorial Narrative highlights the importance of a country’s past in shaping its creative future, drawing a parallel with how the past of an academic institution shapes the future of its students.

The works you see here are visionary and immersive, moving and reflective. They echo the restless, rhythmic movement of Qatari people as they traveled over the sands and seas in search of hidden treasures. They draw inspiration from the past, yet project new horizons that use new technologies and methods to envision a future of hope and creative excellence.

Based on the common themes that are found within each work, the exhibition develops across four chapters: The Sacred, The Water (Sea), The Land (Sand), The Self & The Other.

The alumni who have their artworks on display are Amira Mohamed, Ayaz Rauf, Fatima Mohammed, Hazem Asif, Hind Al Saad, Maryam Al Homaid, Nada Abbara, Noora Al Hardan, Sarah Alafifi, Sidra Zubairi, Shaikha al Sulaiti, Aisha Al Sowaidi, Amna Yandarbin, Dana el Ladki, Eman Makki, Habeeb Futtaim, Izza Alyssa, Nia Alexander Campbell, Nour Elbasuni, Wurood Azzam, Majdulin Nasrallah, Dimitri Yuri, Faheem Khan, Hassan al Shehhi, Lauren Morell, Nada Elkharashi, Shouq Al Mana, Yasmeen Suleiman, Reema Abu Hassan, Yousef Bahzad, Bouthayna Al Muftah, Ghada Al Khater, Hadeer Omar, Hana Al Saadi, Hawa Stwodah, Noora Al Saei, Othman Khunji, Reham Mohamed and Dana Riad. The alumni who served as curatorial assistants are Teslim Sanni, Sara Mohammed and Anusheh Zaman.

The exhibition is curated by award-winning curator Hesperia Iliadou Suppiej, PhD.

Dr. Iliadou, who hails from Cyprus, lives and works in Italy, is teaching the MA Curatorial Practice program at the European Institute of Design. A museum consultant, she is a member of the International Council of Museums and the only woman elected to the Europa Nostra Industrial and Engineering Heritage Committee, thus far.

Dr. Iliadou spoke of her experience curating the exhibition. She said, “In my many years of curating major exhibitions across the world, this specific one, organized to celebrate 25 years of the School’s existence in Qatar, has been without doubt the most interesting and exciting of all. Being introduced to the creative journeys of 39 VCUarts Qatar alumni and being assisted by three Art History graduates to curate the artworks was an unforgettable experience; it was wonderful to interact with these gifted and sensitive young talents.”