ABOUT THE PROJECT
Re-curating MF Husain’s masterpiece for a new generation of visitors
In partnership with Qatar Foundation, Imagination was commissioned to re-curate Maqbool Fida Husain’s iconic installation Seeroo fi al ardh. By transforming the masterpiece into an immersive and engaging experience, the project deepens visitors’ emotional and intellectual connection with the artist’s vision. Conceived as a tribute to human ingenuity, Seeroo fi al ardh (Travel Through the Earth) is Husain’s grand exploration of mankind’s pursuit of progress, where art, science, and technology stand as parallel expressions of imagination.
CHALLENGE
Over an eight-month period, Imagination partnered with Qatar Foundation to re-curate Seeroo fi al Ardh, the final and most ambitious work by Maqbool Fida Husain. The challenge was to revitalise the installation for the opening of the Lawh Wa Qalam: M.F. Husain Museum, transforming it into a permanent exhibition that renews engagement and repositions the work at the heart of Husain’s artistic legacy.
Working in close collaboration with Qatar Foundation, Imagination developed a refined narrative alongside an immersive light and sound design, reimagining the original 20-minute automation sequence as a focused eight-minute experience. The result is a dynamic, fully immersive journey through Husain’s exploration of humanity’s pursuit of progress.
A new technical design was conceived to maximise the existing equipment and respond sensitively to the site. The Carousel Building’s rotating central stage and operable glass walls presented a unique spatial opportunity, addressed through the introduction of a discreet blackout drape system enhancing the impact of the installation while preserving the venue’s flexibility for events
THE OUTCOME
A contemporary lens on cultural storytelling
Through a narrative-led re-imagining, Imagination transforms Seeroo fi al Ardh into an immersive experience that brings visitors closer to Husain’s original spirit—dynamic, human, and driven by story. The re-curation reflects his belief that art should move, provoke, and remain in conversation with its time, allowing the work to be experienced not as a static installation, but as a living, evolving expression of his vision.
Premiering at the launch of the Lawh Wa Qalam: M.F. Husain Museum to 250 VIP guests and members of Husain’s family, the renewed installation unfolds as an emotionally resonant, multi-sensory journey designed to engage families, students, and the wider cultural community across the region.
Technical choreography and immersion
The renewed experience introduces a revised musical score and narration that sharpens the narrative arc, alongside enhanced impactful lighting and automotive choreography. Together, these elements heighten the installation’s kinetic energy, fully immersing audiences in Husain’s forward-looking vision of innovation and human connection. Drawing directly from the power of Husain’s original sketches, Imagination elevated Seeroo fi al Ardh into a cohesive, immersive experience remaining faithful to the artist’s intent while re-articulating the work for contemporary audiences.
Built for sustainable legacy
The project required a complete transformation of the original technical infrastructure, re-engineering the installation into a fully operational, permanent cultural experience. This ensures the space is not only a masterpiece for daily viewing but also a flexible venue for future cultural events, supporting long-term ROI and sustainable investment for Qatar Foundation.
M.F. Husain’s final work is an artistic legacy of immense significance. Our collaboration with Imagination has brought new energy, depth, and accessibility to Seeroo fi al ardh, ensuring that visitors of all ages can connect with its spirit of invention and creativity. This re-curation reflects Qatar Foundation’s commitment to cultural enrichment and to creating experiences that inspire curiosity, dialogue, and lifelong learning.
Kholoud Alali Executive Director, Community Engagement and Programming at Qatar Foundation
VALUE
For the audience
Visitors gain unprecedented access to a world where art and technology coexist. The experience offers a unique opportunity for people to connect with Husain’s legacy through authentic storytelling, positioning cultural mobility as an inspiring lifestyle choice.
For the brand
The project strengthens Imagination’s growing portfolio of permanent cultural installations and public art design commissions across the region. For Qatar Foundation, the launch generated an impactful cultural brand moment that establishes new creative territory and reinforces their dedication to cultural enrichment.