Katara opens four unique, impressive exhibitions

Katara – the Cultural Village opened four unique exhibitions by Syrian, Russian, and Qatari artists on Tuesday, in the presence of senior Katara officials, diplomats and art enthusiasts. Organised in co-operation with the Syrian embassy in Doha, the opening of the ‘We Love Life’ exhibition by Syrian artist Akram Sweidan at Building 19 was graced by Katara’s deputy general manager for operations Ahmed Abdul Rahman al-Sayed and Syrian ambassador Nizar al-Haraki.
The envoy highlighted Sweidan’s “artistic experience in converting bombs and shells into art objects.”
While saying the exhibition is a message of life and peace, the envoy cited the challenges faced by the artist in pursuing his passion such as imprisonment and deportation to the north. “He is still moving ahead with his artistic project to spread the values of life, peace, truth and beauty,” said al-Haraki, who thanked Katara stressing that “they are the partners of every artist in its love for life and art”.
Al-Sayed said the exhibition is in harmony with the message of peace and life through art and creativity that Katara promotes, citing “the artist’s brilliant skill and intelligence in transforming shells into artworks.” The audience also watched a documentary film explaining the artist’s way of performing his works.
Katara’s human resources department manager Saif Saeed al-Dosari and Katara Art Centre manager Tariq al-Jaidah led the opening of the ‘A National Statement’ exhibition by artist Shouq al-Mana at Building 5. “I try to focus through my artwork on the emotional state and national feelings which prevailed before the imposition of the blockade on Qatar in June 2017,” the artist said.
“It includes references to my strong relationship with poetry and recognition of the strong leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the symbol that he represents,” al-Mana added.
In the same building, the ‘Journey from North to South’ exhibition by Russian artist Maria Ozianikova was also opened for the first time in Qatar and coincides with the celebration of the Qatar Russia Year of Culture 2018.
According to Katara, the artist highlighted her interest in traditional Qatari heritage and landscapes in her artworks.  In addition, the opening of the Mashhad exhibition at Katara Art Centre’s Building 5, as a part of the “Minus 40” project of Al-Markhia Gallery, featured the works of Syrian artists Shadi Abu Saada and Alaa Abu Shahin, which present various artistic experiences from oil painting to sculpture.
More exhibitions
Katara is set to host three new exhibitions from today. An exhibition, ‘Athar N’, featuring the works of Qatari artists Muna al-Bader, Fatima al-Nuaimy and Jawahir al-Mannai will be held in Building 22 from today until October 13.
Building 19 will also host an art exhibition, titled ‘Re-Action’, highlighting the works of a group of Sudanese artists from today. It continues until October 10.
From Japan, Ayumi Endo will illustrate her vision of humanity through her paintings, which will be on display in Building 19 from today until September 29. She says her artworks can cross all linguistic barriers, according to a statement by Katara.
All these exhibitions indicate different creative art trends and feature a unique style, which is in line with Katara’s vision to introduce and promote fine arts of all types, the statement adds.