VCUarts Qatar
Matter Diplopia
Presented by VCUarts Qatar, ‘Matter Diplopia’ explores materiality, cultural constructs and societal impact in Qatar. Through the concept of materiality and culture as a dual lens — the pavilion considers the interplay of local and global contexts and tangible and intangible cultural narratives, to reveal intricate connections that shape our understanding of the material world.
Qatar’s rapid development offers a compelling space to explore this dynamic exchange and how material and cultural narratives intersect.
The relationship between materiality and culture is a continuous, reciprocal cycle bridging internal and external influences. Cultural contexts can shape materiality and vice-versa. By examining the interactions between local conditions and global influences, the exhibition explores how both materiality and culture can reveal unique perspectives and a sense of place - which lead to cultural continuity and transformation.
Nine collaborative projects rooted in cultural heritage and preservation are presented by VCUarts Qatar’s faculty, students and alumni. They each explore duality, juxtaposing Qatar’s natural and built environments and demonstrating how materials can transcend their origins to offer unique perspectives on complex issues. Integrating traditional modes of making with emergent technology, the projects traverse experimental and exploratory practice-based inquiries, to embrace diverse perspectives and disciplinary domains.
‘Matter Diplopia’ explores central themes of fluidity, transference and material agency, presented through a range of projects that invite viewers to critically consider the interconnectedness between environment, culture, and technology. Additionally, visitors are invited to learn more about each project’s research and process through the exhibition Research Hub.
‘Matter Diplopia’ features nine projects:
Chrysalis
Discursive Instrumentation of Urban Rhythms
DUB DOUBT
Dunes and Dugongs
El Zaffah
Greener Greenhouse goes GMT
Nature’s Alchemy
Stone Plus
Tatreez Unbroken
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Credits
Administering Body
VCUarts Qatar, Research + Development
Chrysalis
Rab McClure, Rola Al-Soubaihi, Erzum Naqvi, Dr. Khaled Saoud, Levi Hammett, Mohammad Suleiman, Dr. Haithem El-Hammali, Ryan Browning, Dr. Giovanni Innella
Discursive Instrumentation of Urban Rhythms
Shankar Padmanabhan, Dana El Ladki, Hagar Allam, Hira Nisar
DUB DOUBT
Simone Carena, Marco Bruno, Sherin Karawia, Alaa Albarazy
Dunes and Dugongs
Joshua Rodenberg, Charlotte Rodenberg, Esther de Veuve, Neihan Yaqoob, Community Partner: Liwan Design Labs and Studio
El Zaffah
Hadeer Omar, Maryam Al-Homaid, Yasmeen Suleiman, Simone Muscolino, Lana Abou Selo, Ayza Sheikh, Erzum Naqvi, Omar Al-Ziani, George Paul
Greener Greenhouse Goes GMT
Dr. Johan Granberg, Dr. Byradley Yyelland, Rebecca Wasikye, Lolwa Al-Thani, Nour Mahmoud, Khulood Almaskar, Ayah Abdelwahab, Rand Assad, Ayah ElFihal, Israa Mahjoub
Nature's Alchemy
Stella Colaleo, Basma Hamdy, Ghada Al Khater, Naima Almajdobah, Yasmeen Suleiman
Stone Plus
Marco Bruno, Levi Hammett, Simone Carena, Mohammad Suleiman, Dr. Haithem El-Hammali, Industry Partner: Erika Pisu
Tatreez Unbroken
Basma Hamdy, Naima Almajdobah, Selma Fejzullaj, Shima Aeinehdar, Zainab Al Shibani, Industry Partner: The Typecraft Initiative, Community Partner: Hazati
Exhibition Design
Meriem Aiouna, Dina Alkhateeb
Graphic Design
Sara Shaaban, Moza Al-Suwaidi
Research Hub Design
Ayza Sheikh
Project Manager
Roshni Tarcar
Supporting Body
Qatar Foundation, Virginia Commonwealth University
Other
VCUarts Qatar Dean’s Office, VCUarts Qatar Department of Communications, VCUarts Qatar Department of Strategic Engagement
With special thanks to
Aisha Al Sowaidi (Liwan), Zaina Arida (Mathaf), Isabelle St. Louis (M7)