KUWAIT: The Kuwait Museum of Modern Art hosted the opening of the art exhibition “60” on Monday, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Canada. Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Canada and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), the exhibition highlights the enduring cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The exhibition showcases the works of distinguished Kuwaiti artist Thuraya Al-Baqsami and acclaimed Canadian painter Reza Doust. Together, their art captures the universal language of human expression and underscores the shared values and creative dialogue between Kuwait and Canada. In her opening remarks, Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait Aliya Mawani said, “This exhibition not only celebrates the 60th anniversary of Canada-Kuwait relations, but also underscores the power of art to serve as a bridge between cultures. Through the visionary works of Al-Baqsami and Doust, we witness the beauty of human creativity and the deep connections that unite our peoples.”
Ambassador Mawani praised the contributions of Thuraya Al-Baqsami, describing her as a pioneer in Kuwait’s art scene and a vocal advocate for women in the arts. She also commended Reza Doust, whose long-standing connection to Kuwait is reflected in his works that draw inspiration from the country’s heritage, environment and people. Sara Ibrahim, Head of Activities for Kuwait Arab Culture Capital, also addressed the audience, stating, “The relationship between Kuwait and Canada serves as a model of diversity and sustainable collaboration. Art plays an essential role in documenting and strengthening human relationships.”
The ambassador concluded by extending her gratitude to Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NCCAL. “It is with deep gratitude and a sense of possibility that I recognize these two exceptional artists, our partners at NCCAL — Dr Mohamed Al-Jassar, Musaed Al-Zamil, and their dedicated team — along with our colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and across the Government of Kuwait,” she said. “With people and connection at the heart of this relationship, we look forward to a bright and promising future.” The event was attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for the Americas Nawaf Al-Ahmed, ambassadors, senior officials and members of the media.
Thuraya Al-Baqsami, born in 1951, is an award-winning Kuwaiti artist whose accolades include the Franz Kafka Prize, the Salvador Dali Award, honors from the European Union, and multiple Qurain Festival Awards. A graduate of Surikov University, Al-Baqsami has held over 60 solo exhibitions and is also a published author of novels, poetry and art criticism. Reza Doust, a Vancouver-based artist, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tehran University of Visual Arts (1986). He first exhibited in Kuwait in 1994 and immigrated to Canada in 1998. His diverse body of work, encompassing painting, drawing, and installation art, has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, particularly in Kuwait.
