Exclusive RKI Interview: Mubarak Al Thani on Art, Architecture and Doha
By Haroon Rashid Qureshi
Editor in Chief, Rahbar Kisan International
Doha: Qatari artist and urban planner Mubarak Al Thani recently presented his solo exhibition Between The Architectures at Mohammed Bin Jassim House at Msheireb Museums. The exhibition brings together paintings and sculptures that explore architectural forms and reimagine them through a personal artistic perspective.
Speaking to Rahbar Kisan International during the exhibition, Mubarak Al Thani discussed the inspiration behind his paintings, his approach to geometric forms, the influence of Doha and his evolving journey into sculpture.
Haroon: What inspires your paintings?
Mubarak Al Thani: I am inspired by the place I am living in or the place I am moving through. That can be through travel or exploring a city. It can also be something as simple as going every day to the same place. I would not necessarily call that travelling. It can be observation or routine.
After some time, I start to draw what I observe. When I draw it in my notebook, I look at it and ask myself whether it is interesting or intriguing. Then I reconstruct it and reconfigure it into a painting.
I am inspired by architecture. I am also inspired by interactions and people. Culture in general is a source of inspiration for me. This includes cuisine and clothing as well as the natural aspects of a place.
I look at vegetation and the type of sunlight. I observe the weather and the natural beauty as well as the natural topography. There are many elements that come together to create the character of a place and I am inspired by all of them.
Haroon: Why do you use a geometric style?
Mubarak Al Thani: It is not only geometric. I actually move between literalism and geometric forms. I like to present both because they are almost completely different. They are on two different ends of the spectrum.
When I put them together, I try to present them in a way that is not too realistic. I like to bring a point of view that feels new or fresh rather than something that has already been seen.
I like to reconstruct things and allow viewers to imagine and travel through their own imagination. I do not like to present things that are simply realistic.
Haroon: How does Doha inspire you?
Mubarak Al Thani: Doha is easy to be inspired by. It is full of culture and has been very successful in preserving its history.
Doha has tremendous wealth and richness when it comes to culture and diversity. It also has great diversity within its architecture itself.
There are very few cities where you can see the 1920s being celebrated and preserved alongside the 1930s and 1940s. The 1950s are also represented while the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s are now being preserved as well.
On top of that, you have the architecture of the 2000s including West Bay. Now you also have the smart city developments in Lusail and Msheireb with their energy-saving aspects.
There are very few cities with such diversity. So for an artist, it is easy to find inspiration in Doha.
Haroon: What is your best work to date?
Mubarak Al Thani: I should ask you that question. It is difficult for me to have a perspective on my own work.
But I like my work because I enjoy painting. If I do not enjoy it, I stop. So for me, it is a journey of joy.
Haroon: What is next for you?
Mubarak Al Thani: I have been working more with sculptures lately and I am actually painting those sculptures.
I think my work is naturally moving from the flat surface, which is painting and the canvas, towards a more dynamic shape and form.
That is where sculpture comes in. It can be a cube or a triangle or different shapes and forms. I am exploring how my artistic work can move beyond the flat surface.
Haroon: As a creator and painter, what message would you like to give to people and especially to other artists?
Mubarak Al Thani: My message would probably be applicable to painters mostly. Keep painting.
I find that the most challenging thing for me as a painter is when I stop. Alhamdulillah, in the past 14 years I have not stopped. When you stop, you then have to relearn your ways.
Continuity is very important. I would say it is the key to consistency. It is the key to success. It is also the way to create a trademark and develop your own artistic identity.
If there are artists listening to us out there, I would say continue making art.
Haroon: Thank you for speaking with us.
Mubarak Al Thani: Thank you so much for coming. I enjoyed this interview.
Editor’s Observation
During my visit to the exhibition, I noticed the warmth with which Mubarak Al Thani welcomed and interacted with visitors. His genuine attention and respectful response to each attendee reflected a humble personality and an understanding of people’s feelings. This personal quality added another meaningful dimension to the exhibition.
We sincerely thank the management of Msheireb Museums, and especially General Manager Mr. Abdulla Al Namma, for providing us with the opportunity to speak with Mubarak Al Thani and cover
From architecture to imagination, Mubarak Al Thani speaks exclusively to RKI about the journey behind his art
