Doha,30 November. 2021

Renowned Mexican sculpture and paintings artist Alberto Castro Lenero’s amazing piece of art, ‘MECCANO’, has found permanent home in the premises of Building No 47 at Katara Village Foundation in Doha.

The art piece built with two elongated bodies in walking movement was inaugurated by Director General of Katara Cultural Village Foundation Dr. Khaled bin Ibrahim All Sulaiti and Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar HE Graciela Gomez Garcia. Present on the occasion were artist Alberto Castro Lenero, ambassadors and guests.

In her address, the Mexican ambassador said she had been waiting for a long time for this exciting moment. The pandemic, she noted, “upset the ways in which we plan, work, and think ahead, yet patience and hope have been on our side at all times”.

“Today, here we are, gathered in this artistic courtyard in the presence of a well renowned Mexican creator who landed in Doha just 12 hours ago. It’s an honor to have the presence of one of the best exponents of contemporary art here in Qatar at Katara, one of the most promising cultural projects in the region and beyond.”

She said that the sculpture ‘MECCANO’ is a big step closer to Qatar, and we are truly joyful, delighted to see the piece of art by the renowned Mexican artist being selected by a strict Katara committee, among many promising proposals, and finally making its way to the base in front of us”.

Leñero began his artistic journey at the National School of Fine Arts of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and continued at the Academy of Bellas Artes in Bologna, Italy. Since 1977, his creations have been exhibited in Canada, France, the United States, England, Germany, Italy, Ecuador and, of course, Mexico. introducing the artist who flew from Mexico, for the first time to any Arab country, the ambassador said he is very active as a docent in public and private institutions and as a juror of various competitions. His artistic works have been covered and reviewed in specialized communication media in Mexico, the United States, and England.

Throughout the four decades of his artistic work, Leñero has ventured into diverse expressive and conceptual possibilities through painting, sculpture, engraving and, recently, video and  public art. Always in constant renovation, through his plastic work, on its own or applied to architectural and urban projects, he has explored the landscape, the human figure, and abstract representation.

The Mexican envoy said that in recent years, Leñero has incorporated into his production architectural and urban planning proposals for the construction of walkable pavilions. Hence, his work has already tattooed several public spaces in Mexico City, such as subway stations and plazas, and now in Doha.

Talking to the writer, Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said that Katara Cultural Village is a hub of the world’s culture. “We have diversified multi-cultural
events throughout the year and we encourage countries to bring their art and culture at this platform.”

He said that some countries have brought their great artistic works like sculptures from Turkey and Cuba, and now by renowned Mexican artist Alberto Lenero.
“Venezuelan art works are also in pipeline, all their great works of sculpture will be placed in Katara permanently,” he said, adding that the place will be named after the countries as Mexican, Cuban or Turkey Corner in the Katara Cultural Village.

Dr. Al Sulaiti urged countries to bring the art works of their top artists to Katara Cultural Village and let the people and residents of Qatar learn and enjoy from their great works, culture and traditions.

Talking to writer, Mexican artist Lenero said this was his first visit to an Arab country. Although, it was only 12 hours for him landing in Doha, he said he was very impressed with the architecture of buildings and the development he saw on his way from the airport and on way to Katara.

He said he was very happy to see his piece of creation, which took him six years to make, selected by Katara Cultural Village foundation. Aside from paintings, he has produced around 50 sculptures and 25 of these are placed in various locations around Mexico.

Talking about MECCANO, the artist said it is made of iron plates and creates sensation of a balancing exercise. The piece is built with two elongated bodies that
join at the top.