To make some of Jeff Koons’s artworks in the exhibition accessible outside the walls of QM Gallery Al Riwaq, Ooredoo has collaborated with Snap Inc to showcase the renowned artist’s work through an AR exhibit, leveraging the power of 5G mobile connectivity. This initiative will allow users to view and interact with a selection of Koons’s iconic artworks in specific Ooredoo 5G locations while using Snapchat’s augmented reality via their smartphone devices.
On the collaboration, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, said: “On behalf of Qatar Museums, I extend our sincerest thanks to Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al-Thani and Ooredoo for their generous support of 'Jeff Koons: Lost in America'. Through this innovative partnership with Ooredoo and Snap Inc, we will reach and connect with diverse audiences of all ages outside the walls of our museums, and for this we are grateful to both organisations.”
Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al-Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ooredoo Group, said: “Ooredoo is happy to be supporting Qatar Museums in their efforts to continue showcasing the works of renowned global talents, and in positioning Qatar as a hub for art and culture in the region. This is part of our firm commitment to contribute to the human development of the communities we serve, and to inspire our youth. We have some incredible talent in Qatar, and on behalf of Ooredoo I want to thank Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani for always looking to bring the most exciting art events to the country for all to enjoy. And speaking of exciting, we are proud that through our partnership with Snap Inc, exhibition visitors will be able to explore the result of collision between art and technology as they use the power of 5G and innovation to further enhance their visual experience.”
Nana Murugesan, senior director, International Markets at Snap Inc, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ooredoo to provide Snapchatters with unique augmented reality (AR) experiences, leveraging the power of 5G and fast Internet network speeds. Our leadership in AR plays a transformative role in how people experience the world around them, adding utility as well as entertainment to their lives. We will continue to push the boundaries on both of these fronts, providing our community with unparalleled capabilities and making AR more accessible to them.”
Koons said, “It is an honour for me to have some of my artworks that are on view in my current exhibition, 'Jeff Koons: Lost in America', be presented in Snapchat’s augmented reality throughout Qatar. I have loved seeing the advancement in technology since my first Snapchat project in 2017 so it’s wonderful to participate with Snap again. With the new lenses, there will be fresh ways to interact with my work all from the touch of your phone so I hope everyone will share their interactions and enjoy the experience.”
'Jeff Koons: Lost in America' is on view at QM Gallery Al Riwaq through March 31, 2022. To purchase tickets, one can visit qm.org.qa