DOHA.- Qatar Museums unveiled Aspire House, the first permanent public artwork by acclaimed Iraqi artist Mehdi Moutashar. Commissioned for Aspire Park, the monumental piece reimagines the essence of home and family through geometric abstraction, a hallmark of Moutashar’s five-decade-long artistic journey.

The remarkable artwork was unveiled by Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family and Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, CEO Qatar Museums, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries.

Aspire House is a legacy project of Moutashar’s 2023 solo exhibition Mehdi Moutashar: Introspection as Resistance, organised by Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. This exhibition, his first solo show in Qatar and the region, explored Moutashar’s unique use of Arabic calligraphy and ornamental patterns, challenging Western categorisations of his work. The project is commissioned by the Ministry of Social Development and Family to mark the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.

Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art commented, "As Mathaf reflects on hosting Mehdi Moutashar's first solo exhibition in nearly 50 years, it is profoundly rewarding to see his vision continue to resonate through Aspire House. This monumental artwork builds on the themes explored in his 2023 exhibition, celebrating his mastery of geometric abstraction and deep connection to cultural heritage. Aspire House is a powerful tribute to Moutashar’s enduring legacy.”

Mehdi’s work blends scientific precision with a deeply personal connection to his past, capturing the fleeting moments of his youth in the Middle East. Inspired by the intricate ornamentation of local mosques, the shifting shadows of palm fronds, and the simple yet profound lines he once drew in the sand, Moutashar transforms these memories into dynamic, mathematically precise expressions.

Sheikha Reem Al Thani, Acting Deputy CEO of Exhibitions, Director of Central Exhibitions at Qatar Museums stated, “Public Art holds the power to transform spaces into places of connection and inspiration, and Aspire House exemplifies this transformative potential. Mehdi Moutashar’s vision beautifully complements the unique character of Aspire Park, creating a setting where people of all ages can experience art in a natural and meaningful way. Its strategic placement near the playground was designed to establish a strong bond between the artwork and its surroundings, blending harmoniously with the park’s lively atmosphere. At Qatar Museums, we believe in the role of public art as a bridge between history and modernity, cultivating a sense of community and shared identity. Aspire House is a testament to our ongoing commitment to enriching public spaces with art that is both inclusive and thought-provoking, ensuring it resonates deeply with diverse audiences.”

Evolving from the artist’s 2007 artwork Three Angles at 135° (a Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Collection), Aspire House incorporates a dynamic interplay of successive, unfolding, and overlapping lines to construct an open, multi-dimensional space. Interwoven with the landscape of Aspire Park, the structure evokes traditional architectural elements such as thresholds, fountains, and courtyards, a symbol of home and sanctuary.

Mehdi Moutasher stated, “When I visited the Park Aspire for the first time, I was immediately captivated by the exceptional quality of its spaces: open, moving, inhabited by splendid trees, and dedicated to relaxation. I immediately understood the need to be in deep harmony with the spirit of the place: it was not a question of building any monument but slipping into the current that shaped the space. This is the reason why my construction is traversed by the park as well as its visitors: a fluid artwork - while being made of bricks - whose circulation invites multiple perspectives and endless games.”

The artwork’s multiple orientations encourage visitors to navigate their own paths, creating a personal dialogue with the piece. Its precise mathematical composition, rooted in Moutashar’s signature abstraction, bridges the realms of memory and modernity, inviting reflection on the shared human experience.

Following the unveiling, Qatar Museums’ Public Art team is organising a Public Art Picnic, an innovative series of on-site artist talks designed to bring the public directly to the artworks. This casual, picnic-inspired setting offers an informal and immersive experience, allowing attendees to meet the artists, explore their creative processes, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the art in its natural environment. In addition to cultivating a deeper connection between the public and the artists, this initiative also serves as a platform to nurture community building among creatives in Qatar, encouraging collaboration, inspiration, and the exchange of ideas.