Fire up your artistic passion in Qatar
Some of the best kept secrets of Qatar are its multifaceted artistic scenes. Such a healthy combination of science and art is remarkable in Qatar. This facet is apparent upon arrival to Hamad International Airport, where beholders are in awe of the huge teddy bear that sits on a podium at the center of the airport's Retail Gallery.
Photo by Supreet Kaur
The art scene in Qatar kicked off more in mid to late 1900’s. It dates back to rock carvings in Jebel Jassassiyeh, Jabel Fuwairet, Simaisma, Al Wakra which were discovered in the 1950’s and 1960’s. In respect of preserving this heritage, Qatar has dedicated specific sections in museums displaying these artifacts. The Museum of Islamic Art houses a huge amount of calligraphy, scripture pages, vessels, scrolls, coins, ornaments, paintings and artifacts from the Islamic and cultural history that depict the life of yore in Qatar and the Arabian lands.
Photo by Shaji Manshad
Since weaving and dyeing fabrics was an essential part of Qatari tradition, it carried on in modern forms of art on fabric. The original methods were quite tedious and each step was performed manually. It was a laborious and time consuming process.
Most of the old architecture has given way to modern buildings; however, the Qatar Museums Authority has taken steps to preserve the architectural heritage. The ancient architecture is manifest in the forms of various forts and ruins in and around Qatar. The modern cityscape is a sight to behold, giving us a glimpse of a futuristic city.
Various installations of art can be found at unexpected places in Qatar. The aim of these installations is to inspire awe in the beholder when they ‘stumble’ upon them. Don’t be surprised when you see huge sculpture at Katara made of steel and brass utensils representing the head of a soldier. It is a part of Gandhi’s Three Monkeys by artist Subodh Gupta.
The tallest art installation in Qatar is the East-West/West-East, by American artist Richard Serra, near Zekreet.
Universities in Qatar offer art education in a wide variety of media. The artistic scene is not limited to painting and architecture, but extends to the harmonious blend of music, dance, poetry and writing.
The range of artistic endeavors is diverse. Art workshops from oil painting to acrylics, mix media and silk painting, to entertainment art forms like philharmonic orchestra, music and dance lessons are offered throughout Qatar.
With so much art influence around you, you cannot miss harnessing your artistic passion. Check out the events happening all over Qatar, and you are bound to find the perfect match to kindle or rekindle your penchant for art.
Workshops
Art workshops are always going on at Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, Virginia Commonwealth University and various art centers in Qatar. Keep checking the events section to stay updated and enroll in the course of your liking.
Clubs
Find activity clubs of your choice and join them. Many clubs are established catering to artists, bringing them together on a single platform and sharing best tips and techniques and places to buy art merchandise. These clubs range from artists, photographers, painters, to writers in Qatar. Sessions dedicated to prose and poetry are held at Katara regularly under the label of ‘Words and Strings’. Other clubs worthy of mention are Qatar Women’s Professional Network (QPWN Book Club), Silk painting in Qatar, Doha Writer’s Workshop, to name a few.
Courses
Universities have regular community courses for people who want to learn a new skill but don’t have the time to enroll in a full length course. IAID and Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar have a wide variety of community programs every season.
Bring out your brushes and canvasses and paint the town red, or whatever color you fancy!
