The Media Majlis at Northwestern University in Qatar will present an in-depth look at one of the most important topics of today, the metaverse, at its seventh exhibition, MetaWhat?, which will run from Wednesday, August 23 to Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Northwestern Qatar.
This major presentation, which has been years in the making, explores the pitfalls and opportunities of an ever-changing digital media landscape that has yet to be fully realized. It unpacks, from the perspectives of the Global South, what this new technology might mean for the world as we know it and how users can craft their own virtual worlds, reimagining new ideals outside the rigid structures imposed by the West.
The concept of the metaverse has been gaining traction ever since Mark Zuckerberg announced in 2021 that Facebook—now Meta—would be building its company vision around this mysterious network of virtual worlds. And ever since, most people have been confounded by the idea of what exactly the metaverse is.
Jack Thomas Taylor, interim director at The Media Majlis and curator of the exhibition, emphasizes the significance of this subject following COVID-19. “It cannot be denied that the pandemic impacted everything we know. One fundamental change was the way in which we communicate and, to that end, how much we appreciate communication,” he said. “Our fall 2023 exhibition explores how the metaverse is shaping, changing, and evolving how we communicate. From avatars to value, and opinions to virtual land ownership, the themes of this exhibition reveal a deeper understanding of what is—and could be—the new generation of media and entertainment, and fosters an appreciation of what the metaverse can bring to people’s lives.”
“While the topic of the metaverse is of much discussion, very few people can actually explain what it means or why it is important,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “The MetaWhat? exhibition goes beyond the hype of technology companies and venture capitalists, offering visitors a critical look into the antecedents and the building blocks of the metaverse all while reminding us that such terminology and ideas should not be accepted uncritically.”
This major presentation, which has been years in the making, explores the pitfalls and opportunities of an ever-changing digital media landscape that has yet to be fully realized. It unpacks, from the perspectives of the Global South, what this new technology might mean for the world as we know it and how users can craft their own virtual worlds, reimagining new ideals outside the rigid structures imposed by the West.
The concept of the metaverse has been gaining traction ever since Mark Zuckerberg announced in 2021 that Facebook—now Meta—would be building its company vision around this mysterious network of virtual worlds. And ever since, most people have been confounded by the idea of what exactly the metaverse is.
Jack Thomas Taylor, interim director at The Media Majlis and curator of the exhibition, emphasizes the significance of this subject following COVID-19. “It cannot be denied that the pandemic impacted everything we know. One fundamental change was the way in which we communicate and, to that end, how much we appreciate communication,” he said. “Our fall 2023 exhibition explores how the metaverse is shaping, changing, and evolving how we communicate. From avatars to value, and opinions to virtual land ownership, the themes of this exhibition reveal a deeper understanding of what is—and could be—the new generation of media and entertainment, and fosters an appreciation of what the metaverse can bring to people’s lives.”
“While the topic of the metaverse is of much discussion, very few people can actually explain what it means or why it is important,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “The MetaWhat? exhibition goes beyond the hype of technology companies and venture capitalists, offering visitors a critical look into the antecedents and the building blocks of the metaverse all while reminding us that such terminology and ideas should not be accepted uncritically.”
This multi-faceted exhibition takes the audience on a journey through today’s digital landscape across five thematic installations, including MetaWorld, which unpacks the seven distinct layers that make up the metaverse, representing different phases that work together to create a holistic experience for users. Another installation, MetaPurse, is where the audience can gain knowledge about what they will need in their ‘purse’ to navigate the metaverse and how we will begin to communicate differently.
Also among the installations is MetaCreate, where visitors are encouraged to participate, build and create in a dedicated space, from playing Fortnite to learning how to (low)code, and MetaExperience, a captivating data visualization that offers a glimpse of the growth and development of virtual land sales.
As they enter the exhibition, visitors will also be introduced to five specially created avatar personalities. Digital screens, hologram NFT displays, and virtual and augmented reality are only some of the other tools used to present the content.
Also on show throughout the exhibition are more than 100 nostalgic physical collectibles, including some that are very rare and valuable, such as the exact card that was traded with YouTuber Logan Paul when he paid $5.2 million for the only PSA 10 Pikachu Pokemon Illustrator card known to exist.
Gaia, a renowned touring artwork by British artist Luke Jerram, will also be on public display at Northwestern Qatar as part of the exhibition. Measuring six meters in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, providing a new perspective of our place on the planet. A specially made surround-sound composition by BAFTA-Award-winning composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture.
The team at The Media Majlis worked with an extensive list of collectives, individuals and studios to ensure this ambitious vision could come to life. Emirati TV personality and commentator Anas Bukhash hosts Where do you stand?, a forum in which four well-known talents from the Arab world’s media landscape discuss their honest thoughts on the metaverse. This includes Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, the former director general of the Smart Dubai Office; Wissam Breidy, a Lebanese television presenter; Matthias Mende, founder of Bonuz Market, a web3 social engagement platform; and Sharifa Albarami, innovation and entrepreneurship consultant and Web3 media personality.
MORROW collective, a Dubai-based NFT fine art curatorship made up entirely of women, consulted on digital assets and co-curated a section of the exhibition. Kuwaiti design firm Sharaf Studio, meanwhile, created a custom typeface in English and Arabic, as well as the overall visual identity of the exhibition.
Many of the coveted collectibles on display have also been sourced from local collectors, including I Love Qatar Founder Khalifa Al Haroon; Moath Alofi, a Saudi artist, explorer, and culture and heritage researcher; and Emirati poet, artist, and filmmaker Nujoom Alghanem. Items are also on loan from local and international institutions such as Qatar National Library, Qatar Museums’ Fire Station, the UK’s Government Art Collection, the Computer History Museum in California, and the Strong National Museum of Play in New York.
In the background of this exhibition is an AI-created mascot called MetaCat that will be used to engage with a variety of audiences to share knowledge in new and meaningful ways. In creating the mascot the team used deep learning algorithms and machine learning to create a unique design that paid homage to the internet’s love of felines while incorporating high-tech elements.
“While traditional media channels are losing power to shape public opinion, MetaCat presents an exciting opportunity for individuals to take control of their narratives and connect with their audiences in new and innovative ways,” explains Taylor. “Its journey from humble beginnings to becoming a fearless explorer represents the spirit of decentralization, where anyone can explore uncharted territories.”
Also among the installations is MetaCreate, where visitors are encouraged to participate, build and create in a dedicated space, from playing Fortnite to learning how to (low)code, and MetaExperience, a captivating data visualization that offers a glimpse of the growth and development of virtual land sales.
As they enter the exhibition, visitors will also be introduced to five specially created avatar personalities. Digital screens, hologram NFT displays, and virtual and augmented reality are only some of the other tools used to present the content.
Also on show throughout the exhibition are more than 100 nostalgic physical collectibles, including some that are very rare and valuable, such as the exact card that was traded with YouTuber Logan Paul when he paid $5.2 million for the only PSA 10 Pikachu Pokemon Illustrator card known to exist.
Gaia, a renowned touring artwork by British artist Luke Jerram, will also be on public display at Northwestern Qatar as part of the exhibition. Measuring six meters in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, providing a new perspective of our place on the planet. A specially made surround-sound composition by BAFTA-Award-winning composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture.
The team at The Media Majlis worked with an extensive list of collectives, individuals and studios to ensure this ambitious vision could come to life. Emirati TV personality and commentator Anas Bukhash hosts Where do you stand?, a forum in which four well-known talents from the Arab world’s media landscape discuss their honest thoughts on the metaverse. This includes Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, the former director general of the Smart Dubai Office; Wissam Breidy, a Lebanese television presenter; Matthias Mende, founder of Bonuz Market, a web3 social engagement platform; and Sharifa Albarami, innovation and entrepreneurship consultant and Web3 media personality.
MORROW collective, a Dubai-based NFT fine art curatorship made up entirely of women, consulted on digital assets and co-curated a section of the exhibition. Kuwaiti design firm Sharaf Studio, meanwhile, created a custom typeface in English and Arabic, as well as the overall visual identity of the exhibition.
Many of the coveted collectibles on display have also been sourced from local collectors, including I Love Qatar Founder Khalifa Al Haroon; Moath Alofi, a Saudi artist, explorer, and culture and heritage researcher; and Emirati poet, artist, and filmmaker Nujoom Alghanem. Items are also on loan from local and international institutions such as Qatar National Library, Qatar Museums’ Fire Station, the UK’s Government Art Collection, the Computer History Museum in California, and the Strong National Museum of Play in New York.
In the background of this exhibition is an AI-created mascot called MetaCat that will be used to engage with a variety of audiences to share knowledge in new and meaningful ways. In creating the mascot the team used deep learning algorithms and machine learning to create a unique design that paid homage to the internet’s love of felines while incorporating high-tech elements.
“While traditional media channels are losing power to shape public opinion, MetaCat presents an exciting opportunity for individuals to take control of their narratives and connect with their audiences in new and innovative ways,” explains Taylor. “Its journey from humble beginnings to becoming a fearless explorer represents the spirit of decentralization, where anyone can explore uncharted territories.”
The exhibition is also accompanied by a special edition of the museum’s edited publication, Voices and Conversations, exploring key terms related to the metaverse. This edition examines how the metaverse can be harnessed as a power for good, from the perspectives of regional players in the digital landscape, featuring an A to Z of common words and phrases, as well as a foreword from Dean Kraidy, an introduction by the curator, interviews, a poem, and an end word by Professor Heather Jaber. It will go on sale in English and Arabic on August 23 for QAR100, available online and at the university.
The Media Majlis will now be open from Sunday–Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The
exhibition will run until Thursday, December 7, 2023.
This exhibition will be complemented by a weekend of talks, panel discussions, showcases, walkthroughs, and experiences to commence in October.
To learn more about the museum and its programs, visit mediamajlis.northwestern.edu
The Media Majlis will now be open from Sunday–Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The
exhibition will run until Thursday, December 7, 2023.
This exhibition will be complemented by a weekend of talks, panel discussions, showcases, walkthroughs, and experiences to commence in October.
To learn more about the museum and its programs, visit mediamajlis.northwestern.edu
