Featured Artist: Shouq Al Mana
QC+ collaborated with Qatari contemporary artist Shouq Al Mana to create a small steel model inspired by her celebrated public artwork Egal (2023). The replica translates a monumental installation into a collectible object, allowing audiences to connect with a powerful symbol of Qatar’s culture and resilience on a personal scale.
Cultural Inspiration
Unveiled at Lusail Marina Promenade in 2023, Al Mana’s Egal serves as a tribute to Qatar’s history and traditions, representing the cultural headwear worn by Qatari men. The egal is the black cord worn on top of the ghitra, a square scarf, as part of the national attire. The raised stance of the egals in this installation is a symbol of respect for Qatar’s leadership, citizens and residents for their unity during the blockade that began on 5 June 2017, while the artist highlights the different generations that experienced the blockade through the varying heights of each egal. The installation reflects Al Mana’s interest in merging elements from the past and the present, transforming a traditional cultural object into a contemporary emblem of resilience and pride.
Product Story
Fabricated from the same material as the original, the scaled version preserves the essence of the artwork’s form and symbolism while making it accessible to a wider audience. The miniature was produced using precision steel working techniques to ensure fidelity to the original design, and finished with a blackened patina to mirror the egal’s traditional colour. Scaled to be displayed, the collectible condenses the monumentality of Lusail’s landmark into a sculptural object and conversation piece.
Impact
This collaboration demonstrates QC+’s commitment to championing local artists and extending the reach of their work. By transforming Al Mana’s Egal into a meaningful collectible artefact, QC+ ensures that an emblem of Qatar’s cultural resilience can be shared far beyond its original site.