Francesco Vezzoli: Museum of Crying Women, QMA Gallery, Qatar

Francesco Vezzoli: Museum of Crying Women, QMA Gallery, Qatar

Gathering together some of the most iconic female figures of the last century, Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli’s (b.1971) debut exhibition in the Middle East celebrates the feminine in its most admired and glamorous form. On view in the QMA Gallery in Katara from 7 October until 30 November, the show will display Vezzoli’s most striking portraits, embroideries and needleworks depicting famous women, from Joan Crawford to Elizabeth Taylor to Lady Gaga.

Adorned with Vezzoli’s signature embroidered tears, the exhibition seeks to reflect the drama of the divided female identity and the anguish of being caught in between a private life and a life in the spotlight. Presented in a space reminiscent of the Versailles Hall of Mirrors, Hollywood legends brush shoulders with first ladies and fashion icons meet pop culture celebrities.

Created through a dialogue between the artist, Hans-Ulrich Obrist of London’s Serpentine Gallery and Rem Koolhaas, Founder of architecture firm OMA, the exhibition really draws together multiple perspectives on the famous feminine form. A new series of artworks inspired by Oum Kulthom, one of the most admired female Arab singers and a bronze sculpture of renowned movie star, Sophia Loren, therefore joins Vezzoli’s beautiful portraits in this ode to womanhood.

Francesco Vezzoli: Museum of Crying Women, 7 October- 30 November, QMA Gallery, Doha, Qatar.

Credits
1. Isa Stoppi, Coppola e Toppo (Omaggio a Gianpaolo Barbieri)” 2003, 64 x 52 cm, Credit – Courtesy of Private Collection.
2. Four Fabulous faces: Garbo Laughs, 2001, One of 9 elements – 35 x 55 cm, Credit – Courtesy Chiara Bersi Serlini Collection.