This spring marked a significant shift for me — moving beyond simply arriving in Qatar to feeling more settles in, getting my bearings, and beginning to build meaningful connections here. April was a month of exploration, reflection, and witnessing the dynamic transitions happening across the Global South, of which Qatar is a fascinating part.
Engaging with Qatar’s Art Scene: ARAK and the Global South
One of the standout moments this month was attending a thought-provoking talk at Liwan, Qatar’s Center for Contemporary Art, in partnership with ARAK Art Collection.
ARAK houses one of the largest African art collections in the Middle East, and the event focused on the role of the Global South in shaping the future of art, culture, and society.
The conversation resonated deeply with ideas I’ve been reflecting on — the shifting influence from the past centuries dominant Western powers to re-emerging regions like Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and South America. The energy and innovation coming from the Global South isn’t just about “catching up”; it’s about defining the future on new, self-determined terms.
It was refreshing to hear other artists, curators, and scholars echo the sentiment that “the Global South is the future.” Being in Qatar, where these conversations are not theoretical but embedded into the very architecture of the nation, made it all the more powerful.
International Curators Conference: History in the Making
I also attended sessions from the International Curators Conference, hosted here for the first time in the Arab world. This historic milestone shows how the traditional “centers” of the art world are evolving. It was another affirmation that Qatar, and places like it, aren’t just peripheral spaces—they are increasingly central to cultural discourse globally.
The conference explored not only how institutions here are positioning themselves but also how “newness” itself can be a strength. Cities that have been modernizing over the last few decades, like Doha, have the advantage of incorporating the newest technologies and ideas from their foundations. This stands in contrast to older Western cities that struggle to modernize without disrupting entrenched infrastructures.
At one point, I found myself laughing, thinking back to riding the graffiti-covered, creaky 2 Train in New York during the ’80s — a vivid reminder of how deeply “old systems” can shape everyday life.
Diplomacy, Diaspora, and New Connections: Guyana in Qatar
Another deeply personal highlight was attending an event at the Embassy of Guyana here in Doha — one of only two Caribbean embassies in Qatar (the other being Haiti). Given that my mother emigrated from Guyana as a young girl, seeing Guyana establish a diplomatic footprint here connected my personal history to the larger global shifts I’ve been tracking.
Guyana itself is undergoing transformation—thanks in part to its newly discovered oil wealth, the country recently made education free through university level. This reinvestment in human capital is inspiring but also presents challenges: how to cultivate a skilled workforce ready for this new chapter, rather than relying on imported expertise.
The dynamics echo what’s happening in Qatar, where rapid growth depends on a balance between building local capacity and integrating international talent.
Reflecting on Transition: Home, Diaspora, and Belonging
Altogether, April’s experiences reminded me that my own transition here mirrors broader global patterns:
- Moving between spaces,
- Building new connections,
- Carrying forward the legacies of diaspora,
- Participating in shaping new futures.
As I establish my studio practice and social projects here in Qatar, these experiences will continue to inform my work — weaving together themes of migration, modernity, and spiritual-cultural continuity.
Fiscal Sponsorship Spring Match Fundraiser:
This past month, I wrapped up my Spring March campaigns to support my studio practice and social practice projects—and I’m thrilled to share that they were a huge success! I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed, shared, and cheered me on throughout the process. My art practice is deeply rooted in engaging and building community, and it’s always such a pleasure and truly heartwarming to see my community show up—whether by attending events or participating in campaigns like this. Your support makes a real difference, opening up new possibilities for exhibitions, programs, and creative projects ahead. I’m so excited for what’s coming next, and if you missed the chance, there’s still time to donate and be part of this incredible momentum!
April wasn’t just about events on my calendar; it was about beginning to find my footing in a place that feels increasingly full of possibility.
Stay tuned — I look forward to sharing more about the exciting projects and conversations ahead!