Twenty-two Doha-based artists hailing from diverse backgrounds and 13 countries are participating in the third annual exhibition under the theme, ‘Between Cultures’.
By Salman Siddiqui/Staff Reporter
A total of 22 Doha-based artists are showcasing their works at the third annual International Artists of Doha (IAD) exhibition, which was launched yesterday at the Qatar Foundation Recreation Centre in Education City.
IAD Chair Marjolijn Stolk said in her speech at the opening ceremony that 22 Doha-based artists from diverse backgrounds and 13 countries would exhibit their works under the theme, “Between Cultures”.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am to 6pm today, 12noon to 6pm tomorrow and 10am to 6pm on Saturday.
Stolk said the aim of the group was to foster opportunities by sharing experiences, learning from one another, combining resources, collaborating with other local art initiatives and showcasing the members’ art to the local public.
Annette Wendling-Willeke is one of the outstanding artists participating in the show. She said as artists, they shared the possibility of communicating visually rather than verbally, which in a way helped them bypass the barriers of language.
Qatari artist Jameela Alshraim said such exhibitions helped foster a better understanding of cultures between different people and countries, and that she was glad to be a part of it.
The artworks of Alshraim, who graduated from Qatar University with a major in Art in 1988, have been acquisitioned by the Ministry of Culture, Sheraton hotel and Katara in the past.
Qatar Foundation is one of the main sponsors of the exhibition, which offers a wide range of styles - from realism to abstract.
The artists hail from a variety of countries, including Qatar, Netherlands, Germany, Croatia, Australia, India, Egypt, Iran, Barbados, Portugal, Sudan, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
Jean-Paul Engelen, director of Public Art at Qatar Museums Authority, accompanied by Sheikha Hala al-Khalifa, head of the Artists in Residence Programmes, officially opened the exhibition. Christina Zini (founder of Qatar Professional Women’s Network) was the Master of Ceremonies.
The participating artists include Stolk, Wendling-Willeke, Alshraim, Urvashi Chauhan, Mohamed al-Atiq, Nourelhadi Awad, Salim Abdulla, Mahgoub al-Magboul, Dominika Bozic, Pip Hoy, Shihar Hamza, Behnaz Larsen, Willemien Mansell, Doerte Meichsner, Nigel Muter, Beverley Ross, Arnel Sarmiento, Hannelore Seckel, Verity Watkins, Pedro Boaventura, Sylvia Gomes and May Abulela.
In addition to original artworks being on display, all artists have contributed a 30x30cm piece, which will be offered to the public by way of a silent auction. All proceeds from the auction will be returned to IAD to fund its future public events.
BELOW:
1) Qatari artist Jameela Alshraim.
2) Visitors at the exhibition.
