Artist Profile: Mubarak Al-Thani
Join us as we catch up with artist Mubarak Al-Thani!
Mubarak (he/him) is a multi-disciplinary artist from Doha, Qatar currently based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His work deconstructs landscapes and explores the relationship between the reconfigured elements through shapes, forms and colors. Mubarak’s previous degrees - a BA in Politics from Georgetown University and an MA in Urban Planning from NYU - inform his subject matter that tends to gravitate towards his interest in architecture, urban planning, travel and culture.
Mubarak was invited to show his piece, “Patterns from the Midwest I,” in the 2026 Fresh Eye Gallery exhibit, What Follows, curated by Bo Young An.
Learn more about his practice and inspiration in the interview below.
Artist Mubarak Al-Thani
Fresh Eye Gallery: Why do you make art?
Mubarak Al-Thani: To escape this world and de-stress, and to explore my visual worlds of landscapes.
FEG: Tell us about your piece, “Patterns of the Midwest I.”
MAT: It was my study of colors and shapes within the Minnesota landscape. It’s part of a series, (I) in winter and (II) in summer.
Process image of Patterns of the Midwest I
Artist Mubarak Al-Thani, holding his artwork, while standing in a snowy street between houses.
FEG: How does being an artists in the Twin Cities compare to Qatar?
MAT: it’s very similar to Minnesota in the sense that people are from all over which makes the art scene a very important meeting place where people of different backgrounds can come together, converse and exchange ideas.
FEG: What has been your experience with art in the Twin Cities?
MAT: Amazing, two cities full of art and a supportive community.
Artist Mubarak Al-Thani stands, working on a large painting
FEG: Tell us about your usual process.
MAT: Sketch in book; sketch on panel; color mark; mask tape and paint; fix.
FEG: What is your preferred medium? How does medium affect your work?
MAT: 80% acrylic, 20% experimental (including ink, pencil, etc.). I try to do something new within the process and technique in every painting.
Artist Mubarak Al-Thani holds his artwork while standing outdoors in the grass
FEG: What are you reading?
MAT: I love reading books that journal an author’s experience through cities.
FEG: What has been a favorite exhibit or piece?
MAT: The Stanley Whitney exhibit at the Walker Art Center was the highlight of a decade for me.