Qatari painter Nasser Al Attiya will complete a three-month residency programme starting this month at the renowned Cité internationale des Arts, Paris, one of the biggest and most important art residencies in the world, Qatar Museums’ (QM) Fire Station has announced.
Held under the patronage of QM Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Paris Residency is an extension of the Fire Station: Artist in Residence programme in Doha. It provides one lucky artist at a time studio accommodation space and the chance to experience an art residency in Paris, visit museums, galleries and be immersed in the art scene in the city. In Paris, Al Attiya plans to work on a project titled ‘Perfumes Planet’, where he will showcase how peoples’ appearance, in different shapes and sizes, does not reflect their behaviours. He will use his location to be inspired by the different shapes, sizes and figures of perfume bottles that were produced in France.
Al Attiya’s journey to Paris follows the success of the first Paris residency, which Qatari artist Ebtisam Al Saffar successfully completed back in May. Following Al Saffar’s time in Paris, the Fire Station hosted an exhibition that celebrated the accomplishments of her work and held a public talk in Paris and Doha, where she discussed her journey, experiences and inspiration.
Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director of the Fire Station, said: “Nasser Al Attiya is a brilliant artist with so much potential. We are excited to have him take part in this unique experience at the Cité internationale des Arts, where he will be able to interact with creative individuals from all over the world. The residency will provide Nasser with the opportunity to engage in dynamic dialogues, be inspired, push boundaries and flourish.”
Al Attiya is a member of the Qatar Society for Fine Arts Association since 1989, acting as Vice-President of the Association from 2015 to 2016. Through his work, Al Attiya aims to address raising topics and represent his thoughts towards freedom and society. He took part in QM’s first Fire Station: Artist in Residence programme in Doha, a nine-month residency where local artists can take their passion to the next level, by collaborating with fellow creatives and developing their own techniques.