Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli's first exhibition in the Middle East, Museum of Crying Women, opened at Qatar Museums Gallery – Katara in 2013.
Focusing on the anguish of famous female figures — including Hollywood legends, first ladies, fashion icons and pop culture celebrities from Oum Kulthoum to Lady Gaga — it reflected the drama of divided identity.
The project asked audiences to identify, on a personal level, with the characters in the portraits, and to reflect on the theme beyond the gallery space.
“ If you end up being covered by bad media, your statement has to be very strong and very universal, otherwise you risk being misunderstood. ”Francesco Vezzoli
Through embroidered tears and glittering needlework, the works questioned the authenticity of life in the spotlight and suggested that personal hardships make a person stronger. To encourage empathy, Qatar Museums invited visitors to share their own experiences.
