By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Souq Waqif Art Centre closed 2015 by opening a major exhibition of artworks created by students of various workshops it organised throughout the year.
The centre’s two galleries are full with hundreds of works made by more than 150 students using different media and styles at the exhibition which runs for two weeks.
Each student produced up to five works, some of the best of which are on display.
The workshops included Arabic calligraphy, pottery, sculpture, painting ,cold porcelain and painting on glass.
They were conducted by artists Hamid Al Saadi, Laila Al Ani, Talal Al Qasimi, Nasser Al Samarrai and Mohammed Al Douri.
From still life to portrait to landscape, the paintings deal with a wide variety of themes for art enthusiasts to enjoy.
The Arabic calligraphic artworks reveal the beauty of Arabic scripts interpreted by amateur artists and appreciated even by a non-Arabic-speaking audience.
Some of the major landmarks and iconic structures in Qatar are among the common subjects of the sculptures displayed at the expo. Participants’ creativity is very evident as they experiment with hues on glass.
Since its inception, the centre’s workshops, which primarily aim to spread the culture of art production among citizens and residents, have received great response from various nationalities and ages.
The centre is gearing up for the 2016 season of workshops which starts in the middle of next month. Apart from holding workshops, the centre plays an important role by supporting Qatar-based artists and providing them with space to express and showcase their creativity. It is home to about 30 Qatari and 25 expatriate member artists who come to the centre to create art in front of a huge number of enthusiasts who visit the centre daily.
Being in the heart of Souq Waqif, a major tourist attraction, the centre enjoys a good position as a major art hub which witnesses a large number of visitors year round.
The Peninsula
