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8/11/2019 my works in T Qatar Issue 26
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8/11/2019 my works in T Qatar Issue 26
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14 T Qatar: The New York Times Style Magazine
SEMAPANTHER
Publisher & Editor-In-Chief
Yousuf Jassem Al Darwish
Chief Executive
Sandeep SehgalExecutive Vice President
Alpana Roy
Vice President
Ravi Raman
EDITORIAL
Editor
Sindhu Nair
Chief Fashion Correspondent
Debrina Aliyah
Senior Correspondents
Abigail MathiasAyswarya MurthyEzdihar Ibrahim Ali
ART
Senior Art Director
Venkat Reddy
Deputy Art Director
Hanan Abu Saiam
Assistant Art Director
Ayush Indrajith
Senior Graphic DesignerMaheshwar Reddy
Photography
Rob Altamirano
MARKETING AND SALES
Senior Manager Marketing
Frederick Alphonso
Manager Marketing
Sakala A. Debrass
Assistant Manager Marketing
Thomas Jose
Media Consultants
Hassan RekkabLydia Youssef
AccountantPratap Chandran
Sr. Distribution Executive
Bikram Shrestha
Distribution Support
Arjun TimilsinaBhimal RaiBasanta P
T, THE STYLE MAGAZINE
OF THE NEW YORK TIMES
Editor in ChiefDeborah Needleman
Creative Director
Patrick Li
Deputy Editor
Whitney Vargas
Fashion Director at Large
Joe McKenna
Managing Editor
George Gustines
Photography Director
Nadia Vellam
THE NEW YORK TIMES
NEWS SERVICES
General ManagerMichael Greenspon
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Syndication
Alice Ting
Vice President, Executive Editor
The New York Times News
Service & Syndicate
Nancy Lee
LICENSED EDITIONS
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Editor, T International Editions
John Haskins
Coordinators
Gary CaesarKaren Hanley
Tucked away bang inthe middle of Corniche,with stunning views ofthe glittering towers ofWest Bay as well as theiconic Museum ofIslamic Art, is thisquaint tea shop.
Page 68
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COPYRIGHT INFO
T, The New York Times Style Magazine, and the T logo are trademarks of The New York Times Co., NY, NY, USA, and are used under license by Oryx Media, Qatar.Content reproduced from T, The New York Times Style Magazine, copyright The New York Times Co. and/or its contributors 2013 all rights reserved. The views andopinions expressed within T-Qatar are not necessarily those of The New York Times Company or those of its contributors.
Lookout Qatar32 This and That Amouage and its latest fragrance;
multimedia artist Marianne Petersen
and her Pop Art depiction of the Arab
world; local artists in Turkey; Omega
salutes the history of science.
34 Market Watch
The Middle East has its fair share of
eco-experiences.
36 The Event
Chanel was the first European label tochoose Dubai for such a crucial event
on the international fashion calendar.
38 Art Debate
The discussion that has been unleashed
by Richard Serras installation
continues.
40 In Time
An unlikely partnership brings about a
change that takes on the challenge of
protecting important birds such asDarwins finch, the mockingbird and
the Vermilion Flycatcher.
44 Legacy
Herms hosted a celebration in honor
of its theme of the year: metamorphosis.
Arena Qatar68 Food Matters Taking you through the culinary
treats that await you once night falls
during Ramadan in Doha.
By Ayswarya Murthy
Photographs by Sema Panther
73 Art Matters
Singapore pushes designers to
create a value-added contribution
to the national economy.
By Sindhu Nair
8/11/2019 my works in T Qatar Issue 26
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30 T Qatar: The New York Times Style Magazine
This and ThatLookout Qatar
The Art of Self-DiscoveryOman has had an early tryst with fragrances.That it continues to be part of the beautiful
Sultanates history is not a coincidence.
FROMT
OP:COURTESYAMOUAGE;SUFIART.
NEXTPAGE
:COURTESYMARPLONDON,OMEGA.
There has been conscious work;
work to cultivate a brand that is
rooted in history while it
transcends beyond its shores to
explore ingredients and market
conditions abroad. The result was
Amouage, a brand that cannot be
contained within geographical
constrains or regional confines.
That the brand took on board acreative director from the East,
Christopher Chong, with no
formal training or experience, is
indicative of how unconventional
the brand aspires to be.
Meanwhile, Chong has proven his
talent by the creative
transformation of the brand and
is now a respected craftsman
who defies convention and
pushes artistic boundaries. Basedin Amouages London office,
Chong travels the world to meet
clientele from all walks of life,
which he believes is one of the
most rewarding aspects of his
role; the sharing of personal
stories and journeys through
perfumery. The darling of local
and international media, Chong is
close to obsessive when it comes
to presenting the concept of theperfumes within Amouage. The
latest from the house of Amouage
is Journeyfor man and woman,
where Chong pieces together
remnants of his personal odyssey
as he metamorphoses through
life. Our lives play out in
fragments, says Chong. I am
making sense of mine by drawing
elements from my experiences
and morphing them with otherart forms to define, articulate and
transcribe my world within the
compositions of these
fragrances. Inspired by a love of
Shanghai deco and a passion for
Chinese cinema, (particularly
Film Noir) Chong pays homage
to his heritage through his latest
creations.
Chong believes that there is a
fallacy that Arab perfumes aremostly oudhor their derivatives,
and he feels that those who share
these perceptions have not
experienced his creations yet.
Amouage Journeyis a strong
fragrance, which could be one
reason the uninitiated compare it
to the oudh, but on further
exploration, the fragrances have
a distinct spiciness that is
nowhere near anythingexperienced before. SINDHU NAIR
Charming little ceramics depicting whirling dervishes dot the display window of a small
rustic shop completely unassuming with staff whose soft murmurs contrast the lively
ambience of the market. The little appointment, called Sufi Art, offers an insightful look into
the work of artists and craftsmen from all over Turkey many skilled in traditional Turkish
handwork of ceramics and fine jewelry. Founded by Yusuf Kaya six years ago, the shop is an
extension of his business in authentic Turkish carpets, all in the promotion of local talents to
a wider audience. Turkish ceramic masters Nuray Ada and Ismail Yigit are among the artists
whose work can be found in Sufi Art, along with the abstract representations of painter
Cemal Toy and Hidayet Sen. Meticulously handmade decor in Turkish patterns make for
great gifts while the fine jewelry collections from emerging designers are truly one-of-a-kind pieces that embody the spirit of the historical city of Istanbul. The store is a relection
of my love for my homeland,Yusuf says. Where else would you see all major religions
coming together?DEBRINA ALIYAH Sui Art is located at 45, Misir Carsisi. www.suiart.net
Turkish DelightsWhen wading through throngs of visitors at Istanbuls Spice Market, all
clamoring for the stickiest Turkish delights and inest tea leaves, you will
eventually come to a discreet corner devoid of crowds.
SPICED ASIAClockwise:Amouage's Journeyis inluenced by themysteries of China;the packaging is
distinctly Arabian;Christopher Chongtakes us through hispersonal journey.
ALL PRICES ARE INDICATIVE
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Women draped in layers of black fabric, mon-
ey so abundant that it sometimes is hard to
comprehend and a mysterious shroud over the
ever-changing political landscape. But it
almost makes for visually stimulating material
in contrasting the old with the new, as in the
case of the works of Marianne Petersen. A
multi-media artist with a particular interest in
the culture of the Gulf, MarpLondon as she
prefers to be known, has cleverly condensed
her social observations on Arabs in frame-sizepop art and photographs. Images of veiled
women hidden in the latest designer shoes
form the series The Great Harrods Exodus
Petersens layered response to the debate
of the banning of full-face veils in England.
The assumptions from both Muslims and
non-Muslims are as ignorant as the other and I
wanted to highlight the paradoxes,she says.
InA Taste of Dubai, Petersen highlights the
ordinary man on the street by taking away the
usual glitz and skyscrapers associated with the
Emirate reframing the individuals in plainbackgrounds of traditional Arab environment.
These quirky and highly circumspect works
caught the eye of Khurram Rafique, owner of
UAE-based shoe and handbag brand Nicoli,
and Petersen was asked to collaborate in de-
signing the labels 2014 campaign. With a mix
of old Hollywood icons and new icons of the
East, the campaign is a play on the mind to
create your own inner style,she explains.
Selected MarpLondon pieces are available
through Saatchi Art online but the artist
prefers to be in touch with clients personallyon www.marplondon.comDEBRINA ALIYAH
July 21, 1969, two NASA astronauts became
the first human beings to set foot on the
surface of a celestial body.
When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set
foot on the Moon, they met the chal lenge set
only a few years earlier by President John F.
Kennedy. This feat one of mankinds
crowning technological achievements had abrand literally on hand, on this historic
occasion. Strapped around his spacesuit,
Buzz Aldrin wore an Omega Speedmaster
Professional Chronograph.
Neil Armstrong left his own Speedmaster
aboard the Lunar Landing Module as a
reliable backup to the electronic
timekeeping system.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional
Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition
wrist-watches commemorates thefirst lunar landing and celebrates its link to
the iconic chronograph that was part of this
great lunar adventure. SINDHU NAIR
A Time LeapWhile some of us shrug away the importance of brands and theirhistory there is no ignoring the signiicance of this scientiic event.
Layers of FlairIn an inquisitive context, the Arab world provides an almost ideal
environment, one that is abound in mystery to be revealed.
LIFE IN ARABIAMarpLondon's takeon Arab culturethrough Pop Art.
LUNAR LINKABOVE: This exclusive packaging has a
black polyamide NATO strap and a blackVelcro strap inspired by the one astronautswear in space, a tool to change thebracelet, a loupe with a tachymetric scalearound its edges and a book highlightingthe adventures of the Speedmaster; right,the Omega Speedmaster ProfessionalApollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition.
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Lookout Qatar
Hearth and Soul
BY DEBRINA ALIYAH
The Middle East is envied for the indulgence andexuberance of the hospitality it extends. Here are some
destinations that set themselves apart from the rest.
Market Watch
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Jabal Akhdar is one of the Arab worlds best
kept secrets a rugged plateau some
2,000 meters above sea level that at first
glance seems an empty parched landscape.
But the rocky geography holds a treasure
trove of adventures. Designated in 2011 by
the Sultan of Oman as a nature reserve,
selected eco-friendly institutions have made
in-roads to offer off-the-beaten-track hotels
and cultural experiences. The latest
addition, Alila Jabal Akhdar is sculpted into
the natural rocky landscape, staying true to
its commitment to provide guests with an
immersion experience with nature. The
locale, famed for its Omani roses and juicy
pomegranates, has yards of orchards and
gardens to be explored through Alilas
specially crafted journeys that emphasizes
cultural learning and conscious living. Rates
start from QR1,200
at www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar
Feynan Ecolodge
With almost zero carbon footprints, Feynan
Ecolodge, an off-the-grid adventure escape, is
located in Jordans Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Designed by renowned eco-architect AmmarKhammash, the lodge generates all its energy
needs from the sun, and is lit by candles and stars
at dusk. In symmetry with its local environment,
the lodge is not only completely solar-powered
but is run entirely by local communities from
service staff to adventure guides. Explore nature,
historic copper mines, archaeological treasures
and lush canyons and be one with the Bedouin
culture through interactions with the friendly
locals. Food served at the lodge is exclusively
vegetarian and plastic bottles have been replacedwith clay jars made by local community
cooperatives. Rates start from
QR450 for beds at www.feynan.com
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33July - August 2014
Al Jasra Hotel
Step into the heart of old-world Doha from the
doorstep of Al Jasra, one of the culturally-inspired
boutique hotels that pioneered a change in the
hospitality landscape in Qatar. Part of Souq Waqif
Boutique Hotels, this hotel was among the first that
offered an alternative to the big name chains that
dominate the city. Designed to relect old Qatari
dwellings, Al Jasra's rooftop is the best gazing point to
view the hustle and bustle of the busy souq, from its
traditional traders to the lively restaurants. Rates start
from QR720 at www.swbh.com
XVA Art Hotel
A complete escape from the glitzy hotels of Dubai, the XVA Art Hotel is a rare gem
refurbished from the former home of the Seddiqi family (Dubais Rolex dealers)
into a soulful boutique retreat. Hidden in the heart of the Al Fahidi neighborhood,
Dubais historical traders' settlement, the hotel combines all the characteristics of
an art-furnished space with the architectural splendor of a 100 year-old house that
includes two traditional courtyards and three wind towers. The space is also home
to the XVA Art Gallery, an outfit dedicated to contemporary art from the Arab
world and the subcontinent. Dubais creative crowd fills the restaurant and cafe on
cool evenings led by the estabishments owner Mona Hauser the citys art doyen.
Rates start from QR650 at www.xvagallery.com
PICTURESCOURTESYALLTHEBRANDS
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reactions and dialogue, Al-Ajail says. Contemporary art takes
time to be understood and what Serra has done really is to
highlight the Brouq Nature Reserve and put our country on the
world map, he says. Al-Ajails own contribution to the project
uses Serras pieces as a focal backdrop to highlight the culturalaspects of the Qatari community in living life with dignity and
hope through difficult times.
Yousef, no stranger to the creative crowd, experiments with
colors and anchors animated sculptures with his signature cartoon
mascot. Evoking the spirit of Serras concept of space, his
explosion of energy and rainbow shades fit into the idea of what he
would put into his own space. Serras work has positive and
negative feedback and me, being a Gemini, have two personalities
so I channeled the polar opposite concepts into the work, he
explains. Al-Thani captures the emptiness of space in Passage of
Time which reminded her of Noahs Ark, believing that Serraswork is more of an internal experience than a physical one. Fareed
plays with photography techniques to blur the lines between the
I.M. Pei - designed structure of Museum of Islamic Arts with 7,
the latter work chosen for its proximity to the museum, while Al-
Dossari finds the abstract in desert sand. An avid desert
adventurer, Al-Dossari photographs dune lines in striking
resemblance to Serras work, seeing that movement is truly
universal regardless of material, he says.
The acme piece at the exhibition perhaps comes in the form of
the sword installation by Al-Kuwari, an artist who is dedicated to
perfecting the age-old craft of sword making. If it is Serrasintention to challenge the our perspective of space, then it is Al-
Kuwaris aim to present the sword in all its dimensions. Serra
combines culture, nature and architecture in
one work, and here I present all the different
angles of a sword that comes together
harmoniously in the end as one vision, he
explains.
The conversation continues on the
museums crowd-sourcing micro site, www.
richardserra.qa, inviting you to reflect and
share your thoughts. The Creation Generation
exhibition was also displayed a second time at
the W Hotel & Residences from July 3 to 17.
Contemporary art takes time to be
understood and what Serra had donereally is to highlight the Brouq NatureReserve.
ART COLLECTIVE Clockwise from left: Al Dosari, Yousef, Al-Kuwari andAl-Ajail at the opening of the exhibition; the first installment that tookplace at The Pearl-Qatar; Al-Kuwari has been championing thetraditional art of swordmaking throughout the last two decades.
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