Participants at Qatar International Art Festival 2018 at Doha Fire Station. RIGHT: Some of the artworks on display. Pics: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
DOHA: The Doha Fire Station has turned into an artistic melting pot as 147 artists from 58 countries gather for the Qatar International Art Festival ( QIAF ) 2018, probably the biggest of its kind festival in Doha.
“Amazing” was how Rashmi Agarwal, president of MAPS International and head of QIAF, described the opening of the mega festival on Thursday which saw the unveiling of an exhibition at the Gallery Space of the Doha Fire Station featuring some of the best works of the participating artists.
“All the 147 artists from 58 countries are here displaying more than 150 artworks. It is amazing because around 65 of the artists have from as far as Costa Rica, Korea, China and Japan, among other countries, to take part in the festival. It has so far been an amazing experience for everyone,” Agarwal told The Peninsula.
The Doha Fire Station grounds were bustling with activity as the artists started showcasing their unique styles and techniques in their chosen mediums during live painting demonstrations which will last until tomorrow.
The organizers received a total of 292 applications from Qatar and other countries which were whittled down to 147, she said, adding the annual festival was conceptualized with the upcoming World Cup 2022 in mind.
“My main purpose is to connect people through art and culture. Since the country is hosting World Cup 2022, there are many people who want to see Qatar so this festival serves as a channel through which they can come and see the country and immerse in Doha’s burgeoning art scene,” said Agarwal.
Prior to the opening, the participants joined a cultural tour which took them to some of the most iconic art and culture and tourist destinations in Qatar including the Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Souq Waqif, the Corniche, and The Pearl Qatar, among others.
“Participants who went for the cultural tour said they loved this country; some of them even expressed interest to settle down here,” said Agarwal, underlining how the festival is providing participants invaluable experience combining education, cultural trip, and artistic interaction and exchange.
“I’m very happy to have been invited here and given the chance to participate in the festival,” said Djoudi Elmountasser, a participating artist who flew all the way from Algeria for the festival.
One of Elmountasser interesting works on show is a painting of men riding camels in the desert.
“These men lead a very difficult life in the harsh desert, but they are very strong men and this painting tells their story to viewers,” he explained.
“This is a rare chance to participate in a big festival here in Qatar in which artists from around the world are taking part. I’m happy and thankful to be among six Filipinos who are able to join this year,” said Filipino resident Edmond Samonte.
Samonte, who has been working as artist-designer in an events company, is showcasing “Flora Katara”, in which he used water colour to depict the flowers he saw at Katara Cultural Village in Filipino batik style.
One of the features of the event are an art panel discussions and six master classes conducted by some of the most seasoned artists chosen from among the participants for their art “beyond imagination.”
The festival ends tomorrow evening with award and certificate distribution.
