Doha: The Embassy of Argentina in Doha yesterday hosted an art exhibition titled “Legacy of Qatar–Argentina Cultural Year”, celebrating the enduring cultural bonds forged during the Qatar–Argentina and Chile Year of Culture 2025 and highlighting the role of art in strengthening bilateral relations.
Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the exhibition, Ambassador of Argentina H E Guillermo L Nicolas said the event was conceived as a symbolic closing chapter to a highly successful cultural year, while also serving as a lasting testament to the deepening ties between the two countries.
“We wanted to create a legacy of that exceptional year and felt it was a good opportunity to showcase artworks produced by people connected to the diplomatic community and to both Qatar and Argentina,” the Ambassador said.
The exhibition features a collection of paintings on porcelain and ceramics, all created by artists based in Qatar. The works are drawn from two groups: a collective of Latin American artists and a porcelain painting group, both of which are active in the country. Each piece reflects motifs and designs inspired by Qatari and Argentine heritage, underscoring the cultural dialogue that has flourished between the two nations.
“All the artists are based in Qatar and working here. Their pieces carry elements of both cultures, making this exhibition a true reflection of the spirit of the Year of Culture,” he noted.
Reflecting on the Qatar–Argentina Cultural Year 2025, Ambassador Nicolas described it as a landmark period for cultural diplomacy, marked by an unprecedented number of high-profile events.
“We had more than 40 events, ranging from gastronomy to major museum exhibitions, music and storytelling,” he said. Among the highlights was a major exhibition by Buenos Aires’ renowned MALBA Museum at the National Museum of Qatar, which showcased more than 170 artworks over a two-month period.
He expressed deep appreciation for the support of Qatar Museums and its Chairperson, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, whose backing, he said, was instrumental in delivering the ambitious programme.
“For the first time, we were able to organise cultural events of such scale. The Argentine community in Qatar greatly enjoyed them, and although the Qatari community in Argentina is small, we also had Qatari artists performing there. The overall balance is extremely positive,” he added.
Turning to bilateral relations, the Ambassador said that while diplomatic ties between Qatar and Argentina were established more than five decades ago, the relationship has gained strong momentum over the past 15 years, particularly since the opening of the Argentine Embassy in Doha in 2010 and the visit of H H the Father Amir to Buenos Aires. “Cultural cooperation forms the foundation upon which all other aspects of the relationship are built,” he stressed, adding that the Year of Culture acted as a catalyst in further consolidating political, economic and people-to-people ties.
The Argentine community in Qatar, numbering around 500, also plays an important role in this growing relationship. “They are very active and contribute to Qatar’s development. Many of them consider this country a second home where they can fully realise their potential. It is a win-win situation,” the Ambassador said.
He also recalled the emotional impact of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, when Argentina lifted the trophy at Lusail Stadium, describing it as a moment that transcended sport.
“More than 45,000 Argentinians were here during the World Cup and experienced the warmth of Qatari hospitality. The bond that grew between our two peoples during that time is something I will never forget. Football is a game, but the human connection is what truly remains,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Nicolas expressed optimism about a busy cultural calendar for the remainder of the year, with new activities expected to be announced after the summer period in Argentina. He also voiced hope for further sporting encounters, including the Finalissima and a friendly match between Argentina and Qatar in March, as additional platforms to strengthen ties.
“This exhibition is just the beginning of another promising year of cultural and people-to-people engagement between our two countries,” he concluded.
