A variety of artwork by four Pakistani expatriate artists on different subjects such as seascapes, horses, and modern architecture through abstract and realistic art techniques is now at display in an exhibition at Katara.
The recent exhibition titled ‘4 Visions’ includes artworks by Shehla Khalid Khan, Mala Waseem, Adnan Siraj, and Shazia Bhanji. The opening of the exhibition at Gallery 2, Building 18 in Katara attracted visitors in large numbers who appreciated the dexterity of the artists and their treatment of different subjects on canvass. The exhibition will continue until February 12 and is open for public from 10am to 10pm every day.
The paintings showcase different postures of Arabian and other horses, seascapes, modern architectures in Qatar and some abstract artworks grabbed the attention of the visitors that included prominent figures from the art community of Qatar, officials from the Embassy of Pakistan, and members of the Pakistani expatriate community.
The exhibition was opened by Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, General Manager Katara, flanked by other Katara officials. Commodore Irfan Taj, defence attaché Pakistan embassy, was also present on the occasion. Many ambassadors and diplomats also visited the exhibition on the opening day.
The general manager of Katara appreciated the works of all artists and held conversations with them while asking about their works, techniques and skills.
Talking to Community, Khalid said: “This is first of its kind exhibition done by Katara with Pakistani expatriate artists this year. We are very happy to have such a good work from the four artists, who come from different parts of Pakistan. Works of each artist shows different kinds of art schools. They have done an excellent job.
“Some of the works are related to realism and others are related to abstract school. These are, I think, sound pieces of artwork. Katara is always here to help the artists and to help creative people to show their works and creativity. They are always welcome. Katara is open for all people from all parts of the world.”
Adnan Siraj, an artist by vocation, loves painting seascapes and other aspects related to aviation. He said: “Painting is my hobby. I am basically inspired by nature. Many artists are busy in making landscapes but there are very few who are making seascapes. Sea always attracts me. I don’t know but it [sea] has something special. Furthermore, I do not paint a blue sky. I love colourful skies, colourful stars and clouds. I want my clouds to be very different. I also love painting horses.
“I have been in Qatar since 2015. I am the winner of the realistic art competition of 2018 held by Katara. There were 20 artists taking part in the competition. There are lots of opportunities in Qatar for artists. I am really pleased and thankful for all the opportunities that Katara has been giving us. There are lots of opportunities for every kind of artist here regardless of their nationalities. There are lots of festivals taking place in Qatar and in every festival you will see artists.”
Mala Wasim is a Canadian-Pakistani visual artist based in Qatar. She is an art teacher and also an artist par excellence. She said: “My work is about texture. It basically revolves around the relation between the medium and expression. I use texture as my medium to explore and to just come out with the idea instantly without mixing the oil with the oil paints. It is just the texture. It is a series of paintings called texture in rhythm. All the paintings are connected in a way with the texture and in a way with the concept itself.
“I am so glad and thankful to Katara for giving us the opportunity to showcase our work in a way that the people can come and enjoy seeing the works. It has been a very amazing experience for us as artists. This is the first time I am showcasing my work in Katara. Earlier, I have showcased my works in Canada and Pakistan. Currently, I am working on my group show and a solo show coming in next few months.
“I have put eight pieces of my work on display here. They all are connected together. They are like a series in a way of colour scheme and in a way of texture I have used. I used palette knife to use the thick strokes and the soft strokes. I also used pieces of wood and traditional motifs. It is about using the colour schemes. Some are the cool colours, some are soft, and some are bright. It [artwork] is all about texture going in a rhythm and a flow. It is kind of saying thank you. It is abstract work but it has meaning in it. It is about the experience of living in a diverse country like Qatar. I have been living here for nine years.”
Shazia Bhanji is a paper sculpture artist. She said: “I work layer by layer on the paper. I narrate human stories. Whatever connects to my heart, I narrate it like a story. In some of my works on display here, I have shown a conflict. In another work, I have highlighted a three generations of love story and we have to capture it together. In yet another piece, I have made a woman’s head with lots of thoughts at one time simultaneously. In one of my artwork, I have prepared using 6,000 layers of paper. I use hundreds of thousands of paper layers to make sculptures. I have put four pieces on display here.
“I am mainly a self-taught artist. However, I learn some of my work from Shah Nawaz Zaidi, a renowned artist in Pakistan. Initially, I used to do acrylic and oil paintings. Later, I developed this technique of using paper. This is my first exhibition in Katara. Qatar promotes artists a lot.”
Shehla Khan is also a self-taught artist. She said: “I actually started working as a professional artist when I came to Qatar in 2009. I always have support from my husband in my creative work. I have been receiving lots of appreciation in Qatar. Here, I have exhibited seven pieces. My works’ subject revolves around Qatar and Arab culture. I have used the technique of fluid marbles. I have used no brush for my paintings. I have used sticks to balance different colours. Mine are action paintings. To do an action painting, I have to work continuously for 10 to 12 hours.
“This is my second exhibition in Katara. I am happy to be part of this group exhibition. We have brought the Pakistani talent here. The work of the each artist is unique and different.”
Willy Kempel, ambassador of Austria to Qatar said: “I am the chairman of an international artists group. One of my group members, Shazia, is taking part in this exhibition. Another member will join us shortly. It is fascinating to see what Pakistani artists can do in Qatar. It is fascinating to be back in Katara and glad to see the spirit and delight that people have here. I congratulate the Pakistani artists for their works.”
GROUP: From left, Mala Wasim, Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Adnan Siraj, Shazia Bhanji, and Shehla Khan. Photos by Ram Chand
