21 November 2026 — 30 April 2027

Seething Sea

Rubaiya Qatar 2026

Seething Sea (بَحْرٌ مَسْجُورٍ) is Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art's major exhibition for Rubaiya Qatar, Qatar Museums' inaugural contemporary art quadrennial. Curated by Wadha Al-Aqeedi with assistant curator Loulwah Kutbi, it takes its title from the Holy Qur'an, where the sea is envisioned ablaze and the element that ought to extinguish fire becomes its fuel. The exhibition explores humanity's relationship with the sea through faith, folklore, ritual, craft and environmental change, and examines how these have shaped the Gulf's understanding of its waters. Structured around the themes of creation, sustenance and ecological transformation, it considers how generations have relied upon, celebrated and interpreted the sea as a source of life, identity and livelihood. Bringing together more than 80 works by over 50 artists and collectives, the presentation draws on Mathaf's collection and significant loans, and includes a new large-scale commission by Jasem AlSanea. Participating artists include Dia Azzawi, Hassan Sharif and Monira Al Qadiri. Through these varied artistic perspectives, Seething Sea reflects on the Gulf's maritime heritage while encouraging dialogue about environmental sustainability, cultural memory and the future of the region's waters. Seething Sea is presented from 21 November 2026 to 30 April 2027 as part of Rubaiya Qatar.

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art