Artwork depicts Qatar’s resilience to siege

DOHA: Prominent Qatari artist Maryam Al Mulla created a powerful depiction of Qatar’s resilience and the people’s steadfastness amid the unjust blockade in her 3 metre by 4 metre painting which serves as centerpiece of the exhibition “Chant of Stability” launched on Sunday at Katara Cultural Village.

Using her signature cubist style, Al Mulla combined various images to show how the country’s leadership and the people have withstood the effects of the siege and maintained stability during a pivotal moment in the country’s recent history.

The painting is complemented by poetry penned by artist and poet Radi Al Hajri which he read at the launch event led by Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Sayed, Deputy General Manager of Katara with a large number of people in attendance including Qatari artists, dignitaries, officials and members of the local art community.

On show at Building 22, the exhibition, which runs until August 12, also includes 30 paintings by Al Mulla featuring various aspects of Qatari culture and heritage.

Two more exhibitions simultaneously opened on Sunday including “Colour Bar” exhibition at Building 19 and “Sajaya” exhibition at Building 18.

“Colour Bar” features 38 paintings by six Qatari artists comprising Abdul Aziz Yousef, Kholoud Al Ali, Aisha Al Khulaifi, Mohammed Al Sharif, Fatima Al Nisf and Hamad Al Mutawa.

Employing their own unique style, the artists presented their own take on popular cartoon characters and scenes from familiar cartoon films which evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia bringing wistful memories of growing up years to viewers. Visitors have until August 19 to see the colourful artworks at Gallery 2 of Building 19.

Open until August 28, “Sajaya”, which means simplicity, displays 24 Arabic calligraphy works by Turkish calligrapher Zaki Al Hashemi focusing on a very significant element of Arab and Islamic heritage.

True to the title of the exhibition, majority of the artworks are a quintessence of simple calligraphy art but with high cultural value.

With wide experience in calligraphy having participated in international exhibitions and conducted extensive research in the field, Al Hashemi presents a wide collection of his works ranging from classical to modern style.

Commenting on the launch of the three exhibitions, Al Sayed underlined the uniqueness of the collections presented in each of the shows.

“These kinds of exhibitions contribute effectively to enriching the art culture in Qatar by supporting local artists or inviting international artists to present their latest artworks here,” he added.

Al Sayed urged the public to visit Katara and enjoy the variety of cultural and artistic activities there, stressing that Katara is committed to connecting countries and cultures by creating a common platform through art.

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