DOHA: Thirty art pieces inspired by the first letter of the Arabic alphabet are featured at the ‘Alif’ exhibition by acclaimed artist Sabah Arbilli which opened yesterday at the InterContinental Doha The City.
The two-month long exhibition was specifically created for Ramadan and Eid and centres on Alif which is also the first letter from the word Iqra which means read. This was the first word revealed by God.
“I’ve been in Qatar for the past four years and every year during Ramadan I always have some type of event related to calligraphy because this type of art which is Arabic calligraphy is related to Ramadan more than any other month,” Arbilli told The Peninsula at the exhibition launch.
The reason behind, he said was calligraphy is being used to we write the verses of Quran and poetry which is related to Arabic and Islamic culture.
“This gives people more motivation and extra joy during Ramadan because the month of Ramadan is a month of unity and people get together during this month and I want to make it special for them,” he added.
In addition, Arbilli uses the power of the brush strokes reflecting the real experience of past and present of his homeland in Iraq.
He states, “I envisage the lands which relate to the echo in my ear taking me back to a place where I see harmony and tranquility. I see the forms of the letter all around me waiting to unravel a meaning of hidden truth beneath the façade. I smell the place and sense my presence and belonging which I capture to share with the audience.”
“As part of our ongoing commitment to support local artists, we are delighted to host Sabah Aribilli’s Alif exhibition at our hotel,” said Cedric Gaillard, Hotel Manager, InterContinental Doha The City. “It is through Sabah’s pieces that we can find inspiration and further reflect on the meaning of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid.”
The large body of work consists of paintings and sculptures, unique with their varying forms, sizes and colours. For art enthusiasts who wish to add a Sabah Arbilli to their collections, the artworks are for sale.
The exhibition spread throughout the hotel’s lobby is open until September 17.
The Peninsula
