Press Release

Murakami – Ego at ALRIWAQ DOHA soon coming to an end

QMA welcomes all visitors free of charge during last two weeks of epic exhibition

Doha, 10 June, 2012: Murakami – Ego by world renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami on show at ALRIWAQ DOHA is coming to a close in two weeks. On this occasion, Qatar Museums Authority has decided to open the doors of ALRIWAQ DOHA (adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Art) for free admission to the public until the last of the day of Murakami – Ego on Sunday 24 June, 2012. Since opening last February, Murakami-Ego has attracted many visitors from Qatar and abroad. On the occasion of the exhibition, Qatar Museums Authority has organized an extensive programme with local schools in an effort to attract, inspire and engage students. Several educational activities were also organized involving Takashi Murakami himself alongside Massimiliano Gioni, curator of the show.

To complement the exhibition, Qatar Museums Authority has also set up an outlet for exhibition merchandise designed and inspired by Murakami’s artistic work.

Commenting on the importance of the exhibition for Qatar, Mansoor Al Khater, CEO at Qatar Museums Authority stated: “Murakami-Ego captures the artist’s distinct perspective on contemporary culture and presents some of Murakami’s most important works from 1997 to present. Takashi Murakami has been an inspiration for millions of people around the world and we are delighted to have organized this epic exhibition. Since it is soon coming to a close, we would like to extend an invitation to all community members to make sure to visit the exhibition free of charge.”

Following major retrospectives at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and at the Château de Versailles, Murakami – Ego has come to Doha as an exclusive presentation and the final chapter in the worldwide trilogy of exhibitions that have established Takashi Murakami as one of the most fascinating artists working today.

Perhaps one of the most distinct features of the exhibition is Murakami’s largest painting to date Arhat Painting (working title, 2012), stretching 100 meters and wrapping around three sides of the main gallery space. It is divided into four 25-meter sections devoted to wind, forest, fire and mountain and was conceived as a response to the recent natural disasters in Japan. It was inspired by paintings produced by Japanese monks over 600 years ago.

Murakami – Ego launched Qatar-Japan 2012, a year-long series of cultural, sporting and business-related events in Qatar and Japan to commemorate the enduring friendship between the two countries. The events will showcase the unique aspects and the shared interests of each culture, promoting awareness and appreciation of each nation’s achievements.

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For further information, please contact:Omar Chaikhouni, Qatar Museums Authority+974.4422.4608 / mchaikhouni@qma.org.qa