al markhiya gallery was established in November 2008 in its current two-floor location in Souq Waqif. Our season runs September through June with exhibitions changing every four to six weeks. During the summer months we exhibit work from our permanent collection and from previous seasons. Opening night at the gallery includes the exhibiting artist who is present to offer our clients and guests the opportunity to meet him and discuss with him his artwork.
The Logo
Al Markhiya is an old neighborhood in Doha. The initial inspiration for the logo came from the shape of the neighborhood as seen from aerial photographs. By combining the angular shapes in the aerial view with a half butterfly, an interesting form emerges that resembles a butterfly with two different wings. These wings represent the emerging and established Arab artists who live either in the Arab world or beyond its boundaries. The flecks of color in the logo, as on an artist’s palette, represent al markhiya gallery’s variety of artists, its geographical search for the best exhibits and its inspirational collection. Black typography was chosen to provide a stable base for the flying forms.
40 Minus
al markhiya gallery seeks to encourage new artistic talent and to highlight their achievements.
40 Minus is the gallery’s flagship event. Taking place several times a year, it features a minimum of two Arab artists below the age of 40 whose work shows considerable promise.
Our aim is to encourage young artists, who are not yet ready for a solo show, to exhibit in the same space of our gallery as their more established peers. 40 Minus gives emerging artists exposure in our gallery while at the same time providing us with knowledge about up and coming talent. The event also serves as a networking forum for emerging artists. It is hoped that many of the 40 Minus artists will go on to solo exhibitions with us in the future.
The work of well known and established Arab artists will continue to be shown in the same venue allowing visitors to experience the region’s artistic talent.
Exhibiting artists will be selected by an expert committee.
Activities
• Organizing high-quality exhibitions of paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures to promote Arab and Qatari artists.
• Providing advice in art collecting including collection strategies.
• Site evaluations to define specific art needs.
• Delivering and installing artwork.
• Framing of art work.
• Commissioned art pieces.