‘The story of Fath Al Khair 3 voyage’ exhibition by Qatari artist Fahad al-Maadid showcased around 50 artworks on Sunday, reflecting the major events of the journey. The exhibition, organised by Katara – the Cultural Village under the auspices of its general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, aims to document the voyage of ‘Fath Al Khair 3’, which Katara launched recently as part of the 7th Katara Dhow Festival.
“This is my first exhibition. It is the first sketching exhibition of its kind in Qatar as nobody has done it before,” al-Maadid said. “The voyage conveys a message of love and peace to our brothers in Kuwait and Oman.”
The artist noted that most of the events he sketched from the past voyage to Kuwait and Oman were mainly of the people he met and places he visited in the two GCC countries. “I used the English ink and the English handmade paper for their high quality and I don’t limit my work to this exhibition only. I want this work to continue as I am representing Qatar and not only myself” al-Maadid added.
“I did many of my sketches on the spot where the scene is and I want to change the stereotype picture on maritime voyages and point out that it is not limited only for a sailor or a marine expert,” he said.
The artist pointed out that the idea was also to revive the old method of documenting events before cameras were invented – where painters or poets do it. Dr al-Sulaiti also inaugurated the ‘Emergence of Art from Desert’ exhibition, which focuses on supporting young and amateur artists.
Fahad al-Maadid (left) and Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti at the exhibition.
