Qatari visual artist Hessa Kalla represented Qatar at the second edition of the Jamssa International Fine Arts Forum, held in the coastal city of Jamssa in Egypt’s Dakahlia Governorate, from July 25-29.
Held under the theme A Tribute to the Sea, Colour and Light, the forum is considered the first visual arts gathering of its kind in the Nile Delta and Mediterranean coast, seeking to establish Jamssa as a cultural platform bringing together artists and creative talents from across the region and beyond.
The five-day event was hosted at the Police Officers Club in Jamssa under the patronage of Dakahlia governor Major-General Tarek Marzouk, and was headed by visual arts critic Dr Khaled al-Baghdadi, with artist Iman Abu al-Gheit, president of Awan Foundation for Culture and Arts, serving as general co-ordinator.
The forum attracted broad Arab and international participation, including a notable presence from Qatar by artists Mohammed al-Atiq and Kalla, alongside artists representing Egypt, the Gulf, the wider Arab world and other countries.
Kalla was honoured during the event by Dakahlia Governor Marzouk in the presence of Jamssa City head Dr Amr Abdelaty, Dr al-Baghdadi and Abu al-Gheit.
Speaking to reporters, Kalla expressed pride in representing Qatar at an international gathering that brings together artists from diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds.
“I feel immense pride in representing Qatar at this international forum, which brings together artists from diverse cultures and creative experiences under the umbrella of art and creativity,” she said.
She said that the participation offered an opportunity to showcase her artistic experience while discovering new visions and approaches that could enrich her creative practice.
“Art is a universal language capable of crossing geographical and cultural borders,” Kalla said. “Such forums underscore the importance of visual dialogue among artists and allow us to exchange experiences and ideas in an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration.”
She highlighted the role of art in reflecting Qatar’s cultural identity, noting that her work draws inspiration from the country’s environment, heritage and human traditions.
Kalla began her artistic journey in 1980 with the Free Atelier, gradually developing from realism towards an expressive abstract style rooted in national identity.
She is a member of the Souq Waqif Art Centre and the Qatari Fine Arts Society, and has participated in numerous local and international exhibitions.
Commenting on the forum’s theme, Kalla described the sea as a powerful source of inspiration because of its historical and cultural symbolism, while colour and light remain fundamental elements in shaping the visual language of an artwork.
Her recognition at the Jamssa forum adds to a career marked by artistic participation and honours in Qatar, the Arab world and internationally.