By Peter Townson/Staff Reporter As the burgeoning art scene continues to develop in Qatar, there are a group of young artists working collectively to create affordable art for enthusiasts who may not be able to afford high end paintings but still wish to decorate their homes with colourful and attractive items.Dohacreative is a group of four Filipino artists between the ages of 25-30, comprising Eugene Mariano, Rodolfo Julian, Eric Sadsad and Samuel Buluga, and was founded by art enthusiast, Jim Oakes.The group is currently producing a wide variety of different paintings, ceramics, calligraphy and other items, using a variety of striking colours to create a vibrant selection of work that adds a level of excitement and beauty to its surroundings.The work of the group is currently being displayed in its first permanent exhibition at the restaurant on Al Jazi compound, with another show set to be opened in the next month.So far, the paintings have received an incredible response from residents and expatriates alike, with the artists receiving commissions from a variety of families and sending pieces all around the world.
The success of the group is even more astounding when considering that the primary artist in Dohacreative, Eugene Mariano, 28, only began painting around four years ago after losing his job here, and he has never received any instruction in art.“I used to enjoy drawing and sketching before I came here, but I had never painted,” he said, adding “I just love painting and I love being creative.”An exhibition at Landmark around three years ago proved that there was a market for his work, and since then he has gained quite a following of art lovers who snap up his inexpensive work as fast as he can produce it.And Mariano is producing his work at a prolific rate, working full time as an artist, and capable of producing numerous pieces within a couple of days.He paints everyday in his flat, producing pieces on commission and also his own creations, including some cubist paintings of musicians and other abstract pieces which he describes as his favourite to create. The artist is both humble and shy, and rather than chasing dreams of fame and fortune, he says that he is happy to continue being artistic and doing what he loves to do.“I love working with the colours,” he said, adding “it really makes you feel good.”Oakes explained that he is looking into the possibility of Mariano working with young people to educate them about painting and artwork. “I have watched the way he works and it is remarkably simple. He could definitely use his skills to help others to learn how to paint, which is something we are thinking about,” he said.Mariano’s work has become very popular with a number of local families, who especially enjoy the artist’s calligraphy which he often paints onto ceramics as well as canvasses.And requests for work have come in from much further afield, as a charity for homeless men in Vienna recently commissioned a piece of calligraphy spelling out the name of the institution to be placed outside its doors.He was also commissioned to produce 50 pieces of art for the Grosvenor House in London as part of a Ramadan calligraphy exhibition.These are interesting examples of how art can cross cultural boundaries, as a Filipino artist, based in Qatar, has produced art to be seen by people all across the world.And Mariano hopes to continue his exciting work and reach as many people through his painting as he possibly can.“There are lots of interesting ways of getting into the art world in Qatar, and I think it’s really building up a lot,” said Oakes, expressing his hope that Dohacreative can continue to capitalise on this increase in interest and develop an even larger fan base. “I want to expand it and make it much bigger – with so many people coming to Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup, there are going to be more people looking for affordable, interesting art to decorate their homes, and that is what we can offer,” he added.Anyone interested in speaking to the group or purchasing any of their art is advised to visit their Facebook page, dohacreative, to arrange a meeting.