MIA to Present Landmark Exhibition Surveying Islamic Artistic Traditions of Morocco in November

Qatar Museums announced that the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) will house the exhibition "Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Moroccos Heritage" in November, organized as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. This major exhibition will take visitors on a journey through the legacies of Morocco, revealing the forces that have shaped the countrys unique identity. The exhibition presents more than 200 objects including artifacts, manuscripts, instruments, jewelry pieces, and photographs to tell a multifaceted story of Moroccan history, society, artistic expressions, and how they continue to animate the nations cultures today. Splendours of the Atlas includes loans from Moroccan institutions such as the National Foundation of Museums and the National Library of Rabat that have never before been shown in Qatar. Previously unseen works from the collections of Qatar Museums, MIA, and the future Lusail Museum will also be on display. Commenting on the occasion, HE Chairperson of Qatar Museums and Ye ars of Culture Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani said, "We are extraordinarily fortunate to partner with institutions across Morocco for our Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, which will greatly expand the ability of Qataris and those living in Qatar to gain insight into the grand Islamic traditions of our neighbor in North Africa. Our shared commitment to scholarship, scientific discovery, and artistic excellence has created a fertile basis for this years rich Year of Culture program." In turn, MIA Director Shaika Nasser Al Nassr said, "I can think of no better venue for this remarkable presentation than MIA, which is dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and publishing on the Islamic cultures of the world. When designing the exhibition, we sought to illuminate the intricate layers of Morocco's cultural identity, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich heritage. This exhibition serves as a bridge connecting past and present, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Moroc can culture and its enduring global legacy." Organized thematically into five sections, Splendours of the Atlas highlights Moroccos diverse and interconnected cultures and their lasting influence on contemporary life. The sections include: "Faces of Morocco: Landscapes and Society" an introductory gallery that will immerse visitors in a mosaic of photographs depicting Moroccos ecologically diverse landscape and its contemporary inhabitants, offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of Arab and Amazigh communities and the terrains they navigate. "The Soul of Morocco: Kings, Saints, and Scholars" delves into Moroccan dynastic history, and the fertile ground for pursuits in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine, among other fields. Moreover, special attention will be paid to institutions of higher learning. "Threads of Tradition: Moroccos Artisanal Mastery" the largest section in the show explores the pivotal role of crafts in Morocco's many cultures, showcasing the leather, textile, carpet, ceramic, jewelry, and woodwork industries that have thrived in the country for generations. Ceramic works will illustrate Moroccos Islamic particularly Amazigh and Andalusian heritage, and finally, costumes and jewelry, including traditional garments such as bridal kaftans, will showcase how designers and artisans have preserved customs and adapted them to contemporary needs. "Traditional Sounds of Morocco" presents musical instruments highlighted by objects from the Dar JamaI Museum in Meknes that are used to create everything from the Andalusian melodies of the cities to the gnawa music of the South. Videos accompanying the objects will provide a sense of the distinct musical traditions of different regions. The final section of the exhibition is an ode to contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship. Featuring seven commissioned works by Moroccan artist Noureddine Amir, the objects respond to traditional crafts while reinventing them for bold, new abstract works that will hang from the gallerys ceiling and a light installation that e vokes the feel of traditional crafts textures and techniques. The Years of Culture initiative spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It exists to promote respect and understanding among diverse cultures and serves as a catalyst for bringing people together. Source: Qatar News Agency