Go behind the scenes with artists, curators, conservators, educators, and more to discover the many extraordinary stories taking place across Qatar Museums.
Our Stories
Take a closer look at modern and contemporary Arab art through our original interviews, essays, videos and more.
Exclusive Interviews
From Artists to Museums: The Impact of Art Donations at Mathaf
In this interview, Mathaf Director Zeina Arida shares insights on the significance of giving, the lasting impact of collectors and artists, and how Mathaf continues to foster meaningful connections that preserve artistic legacies for future generations.
Artist Spotlight: Nour Shantout
Read this interview with Syrian-Palestinian artist Nour Shantout on cultural preservation and political resistance through the art of tatreez.
Artist Spotlight: Ismail Azzam
Learn more about artist Ismail Azzam and his approach to contemporary realism, portraiture, and teaching at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.
Echoed Narratives: Inside the Your Ghosts Are Mine exhibition with Matthieu Orléan
Explore the curatorial process and the stories behind the artworks at the Your Ghosts Are Mine exhibition from the curator, Matthieu Orléan.
An Exercise in Remembrance: A Conversation with Sam Bardaouil
Co-curator Sam Bardaouil, unpacks the complex curatorial processes that shaped Beirut and the Golden Sixties: A Manifesto of Fragility.
Conservation Series
Anatomy of a Conservation: Antar & Abla
Explore the conservation work bringing one of the Arab world’s most popular folk tales back to life, in this interactive story.
Conservation highlights: HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of Qatar
Read about the lifecycle and challenges of a commissioned artwork in this new story from Mathaf’s conservation series.
Conservation series: The Lifecycle of Artworks
Read the latest in Mathaf’s Conservation Series to understand the lifecycle of artworks within the museum.
Conservation Series: A Sneak Peek into a Conservator’s Life
Read this story about conservation and how it works at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.
Conservation Highlights: Untitled (1982) by Dia Azzawi
Read to find out how Mathaf’s conservation team protect and maintain an Iraqi masterpiece.
Conservation Highlights: Composition (1968) by Mohamed Melehi
Read about Mathaf’s conservation team and their work protecting artworks on loan internationally.
Our films
'Mathaf' the film
Explore Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art as you’ve never seen it before in this special short film.
Welcome to Mathaf
Explore Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art through the eyes of new visitors and dedicated culturalists alike.
Taysir Batniji: A Palestinian Journey
Taysir Batniji breaks down the process, vision, and political realities behind No Condition is Permanent
Mehdi Moutashar: Exploring Introspection as Resistance
Explore Mehdi Moutashar’s insiprations and works at Introspection as Resistance.
From the Curators
Gallery Highlight: Ismail Fattah and Shapes of Power
Read this gallery highlight spotlighting legendary artist Ismail Fattah’s monumental work, Leader and the Soldiers.
Resolutions: Curators’ Letter
Read about the inspiration behind the celebratory milestone exhibition, Resolutions: Celebrating 15 years of Mathaf.
Sites of Imagination: Curator’s Letter
Read this letter from Lina Ramadan, curator of Wafa Al-Hamad: Sites of Imagination, about her inspirations and methods curating this landmark exhibition.
Close to My Soul: The Story of Modern and Contemporary Qatari Art
Read this interview with Fatima Mostafawi, curator of Qatar: Close to My Soul.
The Women Artists of Close to My Soul: Jameela Al-Shraim
Read about Jameela Al-Shraim, one of the Qatari women artists featured in Mathaf’s spring exhibition Qatar: Close to My Soul.
Louay Kayali: Painting Syria
Read about Syrian painter and modern art pioneer Louay Kayali.
Mohamed Melehi: A Giant of Postcolonial Art in Morocco
Read about Mohamed Melehi, part of a generation of Moroccan artists who had grand visions for art in their country.
Faiq Hassan: Celebrating Iraqi Folk Life
This artist is credited with paving the way forward in Iraq’s modern art scene.
Collection Highlight: Yousef Ahmad and the Evolution of a Visual Language
Read about Qatari artist Yousef Ahmad, and his career interpreting local traditions into modern art.
Collection Highlight: Madiha Umar, Precursor of Early Modern Calligraphy
This Iraqi-American artist pioneered the movement combining Arabic calligraphy and modern abstract art.