Katara hosts Cuban artist’s exhibition

An exhibition featuring the works of Cuban artist Ernesto Milanes is being held at Katara - the Cultural Village.
The “Artisa Exhibition” was inaugurated by Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti on Monday in the presence of Cuban ambassador Ernesto Daniel Plasencia and several other heads and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions to Doha.
The exhibition, which runs until April 30, features dozens of paintings, drawings, engravings and ceramics, which drew the admiration and interest of the high-profile diplomatic guests and VIPs attending the opening event as well as regular art lovers, Katara said in a statement.
The exhibition highlights paintings by Milanes, including portraits of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Cuban President Ra?l Castro and former president Fidel Castro.
Milanes explained that the paintings have been gifted to Katara as a token of appreciation for its efforts to celebrate and embrace other cultures, and as a gesture aimed at enhancing the Qatari-Cuban relationship emphasising on arts, culture and history. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr al-Sulaiti said: “The exhibition reflects Katara’s beliefs in expressing the fact that art is a universal language and can be used as a communication tool between societies. In addition, the exhibition thrives to represent the continuous efforts exerted by Katara to enhance communication between Qatar, the Arab region and Cuba.
“This step will be followed by other initiatives to attract more cultural and artistic exhibitions that represent various traditions and bring it close to the Qatari community and the people living here”.
Milanes added: “It’s my first-ever exhibition in the Arab region and I’m thrilled with this opportunity. It will help me learn more about the rich Qatari culture and the unique heritage of this region. Doha was my first window to communicate with art lovers here and I’m sure this visit won’t be my last one to Qatar and the region.”
“Artisa Exhibition” is open to the public from 10am to 10pm at Building 19, Katara.