Katara turned the spotlight on an exhibition that offers a unique interpretation of Arabic calligraphy using Chinese fonts. The display of paintings titled ‘Arabic Calligraphy by Chinese artists’ was inaugurated at Katara’s premises yesterday.
The event was held in the presence of General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Chinese artists, media personnel, art enthusiasts, and VIP diplomatic missions to Doha.
Comprising 60 works of calligraphy using traditional Chinese ink, the art pieces depict verses from the Holy Qur’an, and the names of Allah. The pieces were completed by a collective group of Chinese artists who used various techniques in showcasing Arabic calligraphy in traditional Chinese style.
Speaking on the occasion, General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara, Dr al-Sulaiti, said, “This exhibition is a tribute to this group of Muslim calligraphers from the Republic of China. The paintings meaningfully bind Islamic heritage with Chinese art using an innovative technique.”
The General Manager commended the Chinese artists for their determination and perseverance in creating pieces that portray a beautiful and unique interpretation of Islamic art.
Chinese Ambassador Li Chen expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara for its continuous support and efforts to host international artists in contemporary art.
After the inaugural ceremony, Katara’s chief, the ambassador, and the artists took turns to paint Islamic script in their own style using Chinese ink – the result was a 9m long poster adorned with various techniques, text, and styles unique to each of person.
Besides the exhibition, a workshop is being organised at Katara Art Studios for the residents in Qatar to explore other Islamic calligraphy techniques. The workshop will be attended by a number of Chinese artists that include Haje Noor Aldin Mi Guangjiang, MA Guoli, Hu Baoguo, Fatima Cao Yiying, and Teng Zhifa.
Visitors are welcome to view the paintings from 10am to 10pm, at building 19, gallery 2, until the 20th of May.
The inaugural event of the exhibition was held in the presence of Chinese Ambassador Li Chen, General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Chinese artists, media personnel, art enthusiasts, and VIP diplomatic missions to Doha.
