Qatar's art scene is very vast and comprises of many forms of art like painting, graffiti, sculptures, and more! This expat in Doha is also contributing to Qatar's art world by making amazing sculptures from steel scraps gathered from leftover oil and gas projects.
The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team got in touch with Tarek Malhas, the steel sculptor, to understand a bit more about his work and his passion for sculpting. This article is to shed light on his work and his passion for sculpting!
Tarek: I am originally Palestinian but hold Greek & Jordanian citizenships. I am an Executive Director in the oil and gas industry. However, my art surpasses my expertise in the oil and gas domain. I engineer sculptures from surplus steel that remain from delivered oil and gas projects. My art also helps in achieving sustainability and is aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Tarek: My interest in art started about 5 years ago. I was always into sports and had met with a car accident. I had two spine injuries, and since I couldn't continue exercising, I shifted my focus to take my creativity and talent to the next level by working with surplus steel and cables. I have recovered since and am able to continue with my both interests concurrently.
Tarek: My focus is working with steel and also to re-engineer scrap into iconic sculptures.
Tarek: Every sculpture I form has a story to tell and an experience behind it. My passion for sports, music, the human anatomy, and motorcycles also inspire me in bringing my sculptures to life.
Tarek: Being in Doha keeps me very observant of the commitment of the State of Qatar in displaying art beyond the confines of galleries through various tourist, commercial, aviation, and other iconic attractions.
Tarek: One of the most challenging ones is the sculpture “Cello-Man”, displayed at the foyer of the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, which is a combination of my passion for music, athletics, and the human anatomy.
Another one, is the sculpture “Vespa”, the world's most iconic scooter from 1946 designed by the aircraft engineer Corradino D'Ascanio and promoted by Enrico Piaggio. I have reverse-engineered it using the technology of 3D modeling and recreated it from see-through steel plates from leftover scrap.
Tarek: It’s in the plans. I look forward to taking part in exhibitions in 2022.
Tarek: My works are displayed at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel and Hotel Park by Katara Hospitality.
Tarek: My latest sculpture is called "Black Beauty" and it features a life-size Arabian horse. The Arabian horse represents an ancient cornerstone in the cultural heritage of the Arabian peninsula and has an important status contemporarily. It represents courage, nobility, and pride.
As a tribute, I engineered "Black Beauty" using 3D modelling technology, structural analysis software, CNC plasma cutting and welding. “Black Beauty” is made out of 3,000 kg of steel, and stands balanced on two feet.
Tarek: “Strike while the iron is hot…….”
Tarek: My message to the people of Qatar would be to align yourselves with Qatar’s vision which includes fulfilling many cultural and art goals for the community.
Cover image credit: Tarek Malhas
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