A huge plastic artwork, Ball Story, was unveiled yesterday by the Ministry of Culture at City Center Doha.
Created by prominent plastic artist Emad al-Salehi, *Ball Story is nominated to enter the Guinness World Records as the largest work of art, the ministry said in a statement.
The unveiling included a video presentation and a review of the main features of the painting, which has been created over an area of 9,600sq m, the equivalent of a football field.
“The painting tells the story of the FIFA World Cup from its inception in 1930 until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” al-Salehi told Gulf Times. “It combines culture, history and sports and embodies the landmarks and icons of all the World Cups.”
Ball Story will be displayed at Qatar University on December 7.
Al-Salehi spent five months working alone to finish the artwork.
Director of the Department of Culture and Arts at the Ministry of Culture, Maryam Yaseen al-Hammadi, said that the artwork will add colour to the ongoing World Cup celebrations.
“The artwork has been launched within the framework of the ministry’s keenness to support creativity, respond to distinctive initiatives that are related to lofty goals, and sponsor experiments that enhance the link between science and work,” she said.
Al-Hammadi said that the artist embodies in his work different stages of Qatar’s achievement from 2012-2022.
Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, a member of the board of directors at Al Faisal Holding, said in statements to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the company is pleased to support al-Salehi’s artistic work.
This will enrich the art scene in Qatar, which is internationally known for its interest in art and exhibitions, and City Center Doha's hosting of this great work is an addition to the art scene in Qatar, especially during this special period of the World Cup, he added.
From the unveiling of Ball Story at City Center Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam
