Aureta's blog

Week in 'Gram

Hi everyone! My days in the Middle East are overflowing with colorful moments. I'm relishing the splendor and magnificence of it all! Here are some pictures via Instagram. 

 

UAE to Lebanon

Anter of Arabia

HI everyone! One of the most memorable moments on my visit to Qatar has been the day I spent at the Singing Sand Dunes with sweet Anter, the camel. The Singing Sand Dunes are a rare natural phenomenon where sound is naturally produced from sand dunes. The semi-circular dunes form a natural desert amphitheatre that creates a singing or musical effect. Doha is one of the 35 places in the world where this occurs. I will never forget my magical day here. 

 

Dress by Phillip Lim

Murakami's Ego - Qatar

My mind exploded with joy when I found out that my favorite artist, Takashi Murakami, was having his first solo exhibition in the Middle East, titled Murakami Ego, in Qatar. "The provocative title is drawn from Murakami’s desire to create an exhibition that is 'a dialogue with one’s own ego,' reflecting the artist’s struggle to create a private fictional universe in response to a growing information overload."

Upon entering the Doha's Al Riwaq Gallery, you are greeted by the larger-than-life, 6-meter statue of the artist himself. Inside, some of Murakami's most significant series are presented for the first time in their entirety, including "Pom and Me" and "Kaikai Kiki Lots of Faces." Murakami conceived the exhibiton itself as a work of art, creating new modes of display that include sculptural pedestals with digital animation, a circus tent that doubles as an indoor cinema, and a new 100-meter-long painting that wraps around the exhibition space.

I find Murakami endlessly fascinating and thrilling. I have seen a few of his exhibits, but the level of detail, intricacy, fantasy and passion that I witnessed this time is simply unparalleled. To say I had an extraordinary time wandering through the exhibit would be an understatement. Here are a few pictures. 

 

Celine Shirt from Hu's Wear

Engulfed in the Gulf

Salam wa aleikum everyone! My latest travels have taken me to Qatar, a sovereign Arab country located in Western Asia on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. My days here start with a delicious breakfast of incredibly ripe, rich fruits and arab pastries overlooking the bright turquoise gulf--an awe-inspiring contrast to the sand and beige sky. As I finish my tea, the warm, dry heat feels therapeutic and the sights and sounds of this country make me feel like I'm in an old Hollywood movie. And then I'm off to experience some of the beautiful art and culture that is in abundance. From the forts and Old World shipping vessels, to the singing dunes and beaches, there is much to take in. In the evening it's off to Souk Waqif to take in the vibrant colors and smells of the many vendors. After a nice stroll through the maze of winding, narrow streets, it's time to people-watch with some rose flavored shisha. Well put-together men and women wearing their traditional robes stroll the main walkway. There is a sense of relaxation and reflection as everyone socializes, having iced coffees amongst great discussion. The night continues to one of the many luxury hotels where international chefs such as Jean-George prepare unique Arab-inspired dishes with amazing ingredients.The local populations from neighboring Asian communities such as India, Thailand and the Philippines, add a delicious array of spices and diversity.

 

Doha