‘Seeing Is Believing: The Art and Influence of Gérôme’

Client: EMPTY

The exhibition “Seeing Is Believing: The Art and Influence of Gérôme” is presented at the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, Qatar, from November 3, 2024 to February 22, 2025. This exhibition celebrates the bicentennial of the birth of French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824-1904), recognized for his outstanding contribution to the Orientalist movement.

The exhibition brings together nearly 400 pieces, including works from the Orientalist art collection of the future Lusail Museum and important loans from institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Museum of Islamic Arts in Malaysia.

Organized into three thematic sections, the exhibition examines Gérôme's influence from different angles:

- Historical works: paintings and sculptures by Gérôme that showcase his meticulous style and interpretation of oriental themes.
- The role of photography: An analysis of how photography impacted his work and, at the same time, how his works influenced this medium.
- Contemporary Reinterpretations: Current artists from regions such as West Asia, North Africa and Central Asia reflect on Gérôme's legacy, offering innovative perspectives and contextualizing his work in the present.

“Seeing Is Believing” is an invitation to delve deeper into Gérôme's art, its impact on the Orientalist movement and its role in the colonial narrative, bridging art historical and contemporary interpretations.

Audiovisual technology, integrated by BGL Audiovisual, enriches the exhibition experience. Several interactive screens highlight details of the works that might go unnoticed at first glance.

The tour includes a sound area with a projection created especially for the exhibition. Toward the end, visitors can enjoy an immersive “concert” hall, where five musicians appear projected on individual screens while the surround sound of the musical composition completes the experience.