Art enthusiasts in Qatar and those around the globe will have the opportunity to view an array of Ramadan-themed artworks from Tuesday (May 12) at Doha Festival City’s (DHFC) virtual gallery.
“We have received 123,200 impressions across social media channels and over 3,700 views on our website,” DHFC general manager Robert Hall told Gulf Times, citing some 151 examples (to date) submitted by established and up-and-coming artists, including painters, photographers, digital artists and calligraphers.
In support of Fashion Trust Arabia’s ‘Stand With Creatives’ campaign, DHFC’s latest initiative aims to provide artists in the country to get their works published and showcased on its hugely followed online platforms.
Hall said full credit will be given to the artists in an effort to give them the exposure and recognition that they deserve. Artworks on display have been reviewed and selected by a designated DHFC team.
“DHFC believes that art in all its forms can bring communities together,” he stressed, highlighting the importance of art and the creative community’s contribution to help fight a pandemic like the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
“I never cease to be amazed at the individual talent and expression in our community that is Qatar. From the outset of our ‘Qatar Unites Us’ campaign last year, I realised just how individualistic and yet united together the people of Qatar, both nationals and ex-pats, are,” Hall said.
“The recognition of this through art, expressed in its varied form or material enables each of us to enter and explore a different view or vision expressed by the artist. A window to their imagination and interpretation,” he said.
Hall observed that Festival City provides a modern-day theatre of expression and social interaction that is part of people’s lives today.
“At times such as these, when the opportunity to interact and share the social engagement that we all enjoy, is so limited, I believe that expression in art allows us time to reflect and imagine a different perspective,” he noted.
“I for one, do not have the talent displayed by the artists who responded to our invitation, but I am assured that I am not the only one who has looked upon and felt a deep response to the artists on display, that to date, number an incredible 151 different examples of the talent that Unites Us in Qatar,” the general manager said.
According to Hall, DHFC has always worked on providing opportunities to support different communities and groups through the means it has access to. The virtual art gallery forms part of its ongoing ‘Qatar Unites Us’ community initiative.
“At times such as these, when we are all united in support of the countries’ leaders and most especially of those in the health and welfare services, a few moments reflection upon the vision of others I believe, provides a welcome moment away from the concerns of the pandemic shaping our country and the world just now,” he said.