Qatar’s art scene needs no introduction. It has always been the epicenter of traditional, modern, and contemporary art in the Arab world. Over the years, many local artists have captured the beauty of Qatar that collectively draws the attention of art lovers from all around the world. Here are 6 famous contemporary Qatari artists you should know about.
An artist, scholar, collector and educator, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani is a pioneer in cultivating and preserving modern and contemporary art in the Middle East and North Africa. At the helm of the art, culture and educational areas in Qatar, he has been responsible for the foundation of Mathaf, the Orientalist Museum and the Katara Art Center. His artworks are exclusively rooted in Qatar’s traditions and take inspiration from his friendships and exchanges with fellow-artists from the Arab world.
A leading figure of Qatar’s cultural development and a pioneer of the modern art movement, Yousef Ahmad is a Qatari artist, collector, advisor and an art educator. His role as the Head of Art and Exhibitions for the Ministry of Information in 1976 involved supporting and endorsing other local artists in the field of art. His work is largely inspired by his attraction towards the Arabic script and calligraphy. His feelings for Qatar are expressed with the use of textures, mixed media and collages of colours through his art.
Read more about Yousef Ahmad here.
A Qatari artist specializing in painting and plastic arts, Wafika Sultan Al-Essa is one of the country’s first female artists to practice the profession. Her love for colour shows in her work and she draws massive inspiration from local folklore, songs, ornament and Qatar’s natural history. Her attention to detail and her ability to weave beautiful stories through her work is impressive. Her works have been part of many international exhibitions and renowned art shows. She remains an inspiration to many wonderful artists and especially women artists who wish to pursue their passion in the art sector.
If there is anything about Faraj’s paintings and sketches that capture the attention of the viewer, it is the activeness in them. He seamlessly connects the movement of organic bodies through his intricate artworks. His pieces portray extreme human action and complexity through various levels of activity. His art is approachable and allows the viewer to interpret it in different ways, making it a personal and a subjective experience for each individual.
Follow Faraj Daham on Instagram: Faraj Daham
One of the most popular artists of Qatar, Wadha Al Suleati specializes in visual artistry and fashion design. Her work has been featured in many exhibitions in Qatar and around the world. A key personality in the art world, she helps organize many projects in the country. The founder of Al-Roshana Gallery in Doha, her fashion designs are very popular and have been showcased in countless fashion shows globally.
Follow Wadha Al Sulaiti on Instagram: Wadha Al Sulaiti
Sophia Al-Maria is a Qatari-American artist, writer and filmmaker. She graduated in Comparative Literature from the American University of Cairo, who later studied aural and visual cultures at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her work was part of the New Museum Triennial, New York, 2015, and she had a standalone show at The Whitney Museum of American Art in 2016. She works across multiple mediums combining science fiction, futuristic expressions and her relationship with the places she grew up at. Her work aims to always push the narrative and her cinematic works pay homage to cult cinema, often shedding light on the contemporary experience of women.
Follow Sophia Al-Maria on Twitter: Sophia Al-Maria
Are you an art lover? Who is your favourite Qatari artist? Let us know in the comments!
Source: royalbridges.com, Wikipedia, Barjeel Art Foundation
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