Doha: Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library, and M7 have launched the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 to illustrate Maqamat Al Hariri in diverse artistic formats. Held in Msheireb M7, Qatar's epicenter for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion, and tech, the exhibition expands the life of literature to connect and inform community members about the past as a source of cultural and creative innovation.
According to Qatar News Agency, the exhibition, which runs from Sep. 7-20, is part of One Book, One Doha, Qatar Reads' annual reading campaign that brings community members together in a shared reading experience. Each year, a book from the rich world of Arabic literature is selected, inviting everyone to read, reflect, and engage through various campaign activities. Thirty artists and fashion designers are participating in reviving the content of this Arabic literary masterpiece. The exhibition includes canvas works, installations, and fashion designs produced by 13 Qatari artists and 17 international artists. Thirty-two artistic and creative works are on display, in addition to eight fashion pieces, to celebrate the power of literature and timeless wisdom.
In this unique art exhibition, artists and collaborators bring a fresh visual perspective that infuses the narrative with a creative spirit and artistic depth. This enriches the book's content and transforms it into a multi-dimensional experience. Through their original contributions, the artists reimagine the text, broadening its scope and adding new levels of meaning. The exhibition is not just a representation of the book; it celebrates the creative value brought by each participating artist, turning the literary work into a vibrant space for dialogue where words and images come together in a harmony worth exploring.
HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari emphasized: "The collaboration between Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library, and M7 is vital in expanding how our community perceives culture. It is a true honor to present this artistic experience that can enable society to learn and discover new meanings. The art exhibition emphasizes our role at QNL, thus expanding our efforts beyond the bookshelves. It builds on our heritage and literature to promote imagination and creativity, culturally and technologically."
His Excellency also added, "We always aim to present our history in new, engaging ways to help the new generations absorb wisdom and build on a solid foundation where they can find engaging topics in old books. This exhibition encourages community members to engage with literature in different ways, leveraging the power of reading to cultivate a reading culture within the community."
"By merging literacy initiatives with art and fashion, the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 demonstrates that reading is part of our future-oriented vision-fueling creativity, collaboration, and cultural dialogue," His Excellency concluded.
In turn, Qatar Reads Manager Fatema Al Malki said: "When we selected Maqamat Al Hariri as Book of the Year, it was based on our conviction that its themes would resonate widely across all segments of the community. The exhibition has been met with great appreciation, as visitors enjoyed the artworks and the creativity of the participating artists. We are proud of this interactive experience, which highlights art and fashion as tools to reinforce the role of literature in our society, fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural enrichment."
The event demonstrates how reading extends beyond the book, becoming a source of creativity and cultural dialogue. Alongside visual displays and fashion installations, visitors will be able to join panel discussions, youth mentorship programs, and innovation-driven workshops combining literature with digital tools such as augmented reality and interactive design.