DOHA: Some 55 artists are adorning the walls within Katara with a variety of paintings in the recently launched ‘Katara Murals with the Brushes of Artists’ project.
The project has attracted prominent Qatari and non-Qatari artists, including Hasan Al Mullah, Sabah Al Arbele, Bashir Al Ansari and 52 others.
There is interaction between artists and visitors who witness how the former transform their ideas into art masterpieces in the form of murals.
“The project complements the objectives of Katara through which we strive to make this place a home for innovative and cultivated people in all fields and from all backgrounds.
“We didn’t limit the project to certain group or to a specific school in painting. Rather, artists were left free to execute their work according to the school they belong to.
“They presented wonderful ideas, reflecting their exclusive artistic approach. This is to foster exchange among artists and benefit from one another,” said Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti.
He said artists from 20 nationalities are participating in the competition.
“Arts can be a universal language between peoples and individuals irrespective of the differences among them. This is part of Katara’s mission that looks forward to bridging cultures with one another.
“The murals are to document the landmarks of Katara and the rapid and continuous expansion it undertakes. This is in addition to the cultural message of Katara that aims to build bridges among peoples,” he added.
Egyptian artist Khaled Al Masawi said: “I was fortunate to take part in this competition. We thank Katara for the effort being put towards this project. I managed to embody the beauty and brilliance of Arab calligraphy as if I was painting with words, letters and poetry.
“I am proud to be one of the participating artists in the project and my take in the project represents a big leap in my career.
“I will draw famous Qatari landmarks by using Arab calligraphy. In other words, I will draw by using the shapes of the letters.”
Qatari artist Bashir Al Ansari said: “I was pleased to take part in this artistic project which reflects the diversity of schools and talents among artists. “My contribution is inspired by a Qatari tradition where children bid farewell to sailors when they start their pearl-diving journeys,” he added.
The Peninsula
