Artist in Residence Zoe Hawk at one of the studios in the Fire Station. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula
The second batch of artists under the Fire Station “Artist in Residence” programme considers the project a golden opportunity to grow as an artist and an excellent platform to reach out to a bigger audience.
“I like everything about it. First of all, the space provides an environment conducive to work. Second is the attention that we get as an artist. A lot of people know about us because it’s hard for artists to be known,” Qatari artist Hana Al Saadi told The Peninsula at the first open studio yesterday.
Al Saadi, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ), is currently doing sculpture and photography work on a ballerina in abayat.
Another Qatari artist Maryam Ahmed shared the same view saying “it’s an opportunity for me to improve myself and for other people to see my work, to be known, and connect with them.”
A portrait artist, Ahmed has already finished ten pieces since the start of the programme two months ago.
“It’s incredible. I can’t believe how gorgeous the space is. I love coming here and concentrate on what I’m working on. The environment is very supportive; all the people here are very supportive,” said Zoe Hawk, who currently teaches at VCUQ Community Education Program.
“It gives me time and space to concentrate, which helps me develop my ideas as well as technically. Meeting new artists is a great way to grow as an artist myself,” added Hawk, whose work in progress focuses on girlhood.
Zach Stensen, whose practice encompasses drawing, print media and artist books, sees the programme as a ‘melting pot’ of various artists from diverse backgrounds.
“I think it is a great opportunity for artists living in Doha. A lot of people living here are also from other parts of the world. This is a place where everybody can come together, work, share and see what is being made here in Qatar,” said Stensen.
Twenty artists have been chosen from over 150 Qatari artists and residents who applied for the second cycle of the nine-month residency programme. Launched last year, the programme is hosted at the Doha Fire Station building and aims to create a space that offers an indigenous, local approach to creativity and artistic production.
