Hamad Mohammed Al Marri (left), Director to the Minister of Culture and Sports; Saif Saeed Al Dosari (second left), Human Resources Department Manager at Katara, and Rashmi Agarwal (second right), President and Founder of MAPS International, during the la
Doha: In probably the biggest gathering of artists in Doha for this year yet, the sixth edition of Colours of Desert exhibition opened on Thursday at Katara Cultural Village featuring 102 artworks by 51 contemporary artists.
Hundreds of art connoisseurs and enthusiasts flocked to Katara Building 18 to marvel the stunning and diverse artworks that adorn the walls of both galleries at Katara Building 19 which were products of the unique artistry of the multicultural members of Middle East Art and Silk Painters-MAPS International.
“During the time of the inauguration, we were honored to welcome over 400 guests. Everyone appreciated the panorama of colours and we wish our art touches the hearts and souls of many,” Rashmi Agarwal, founder and chairperson of MAPS International, commented on the exhibition launch which she described as “amazing and heartfelt.”
The opening of the exhibition was attended by Hamad Mohammed Al Marri, Director to Minister of Culture and Sports, Saif Al Dosari, Human Resources Director at Katara, ambassadors and members of diplomatic missions and dignitaries.
The thematically diverse and culturally rich pieces created by 22 Qatari and 29 Doha-based artists from 18 nationalities offer a vista into the vibrancy of Qatar’s art scene.
“Through art we can show people around the world the culture of Qatar and that it is not only financially rich but also culturally wealthy,” said Prem Chokli, one of the artists, who has been taking part in the exhibition multiple times.
Having lived in Qatar for quarter century, Chokli, a full-time versatile artist who focuses on painting and sculpture, says he considers Qatar as his and his family’s second home.
For this exhibition, Chokli depicted the beauty of the Arabian horse with Souq Waqif in the backdrop. He believes his classic rendering of the image creates a link between people and the beauty of Qatar as represented by two iconic cultural symbols namely the Arabian horse and Souq Waqif.
On his view of the relevance of the show, he said: “This exhibition promotes togetherness among artists and an effective vehicle to attract people to appreciate art. What you see here are not just paintings; they represent lots of efforts and hard work.”
Among the eye-catching pieces on display at the exhibition are Qatari artist Fouad Al Emadi’s highly imaginative and symbolic paintings, Shuaa Ali’s series of abstract portraits, Richard Bentley’s digital art titled “Stream of Consciousness,” Nazish Hayyat Channa’s acrylic dot artworks and Dhiana Hijaz’s pieces using unique materials.
The exhibition is open for public viewing from 10am to 10pm until August 1 at Katara Building 19, Gallery 1 and 2.
