Joey Aguilar

Qatar’s art scene remains vibrant and has become increasingly interesting for many artists and enthusiasts, Syrian artist Salah Eddin al-Bizri has said. “I have been here for eight years and I would say that the art scene in Doha is growing, very interesting, and there are a lot of activities taking place one year after another,” he told Gulf Times on the sidelines of his ongoing ‘Damascus, Levant’ exhibition at Katara – the Cultural Village.
Concluding on January 29 at Katara’s building 18, al-Bizri’s solo exhibition showcases 15 paintings that depict the old Damascene architecture such as “charming alleys, architectural monuments in the ancient Levant, windows front alleys and traditional buildings such as Bab Al-Salam and Khan Pasha”. 
He said it is inspiring to see many Doha-based artists in several locations in the country, doing some paintings, sketches, and murals as they pursue their passion. Among these works include murals done by 17 Doha-based artists who were selected by Qatar Museums for its public art initiative dubbed as “Jedariart”, “breathing life into designated walls across the city.”
Many of artworks can also be seen at Katara and Doha Corniche, in addition to a number of locations such as Doha Fire Station and Souq Waqif Art Centre, among others. Al-Bizri stressed that he considers Katara – described as a melting pot of cultures and arts – as his second home, spending more time at the cultural village, which hosts an array of art exhibitions and cultural events and activities.
“Katara is a very rich area, very beautiful, and has been attracting many artists from around the world,” said the artist, adding that it has been very active online and on social media to highlight and promote their works. Al-Bizri said he is mulling to hold a bigger exhibition hopefully at Katara in the summer this year, focusing more on history that dates back thousands of years. He held his first  exhibition in Damascus and his second at The Pearl-Qatar.