Renowned Iraqi artist Saadi Al Kaabi with some of his works at the opening of “Discourse of Silence” exhibition at Al Markhiya Gallery, at Fire Station, yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
DOHA: Seasoned contemporary Iraqi artist Saadi Al Kaabi has proved the strong appeal his distinct oeuvre has to art enthusiasts when he opened his debut show at Al Markhiya Gallery at the Fire Station yesterday.
Twenty-five of the octogenarian artist’s latest works impressed established artists, art novices and connoisseurs of Doha who attended the launch of his exhibition, proving why he is one of the sought-after artists whose work are shown in different museums in New Delhi, Prague, Lisbon, Stockholm, Baghdad, Amman, and here in Doha.
The exhibits comprising 14 etchings and 11 mixed media works have been executed using Kaabi’s unique style he introduced, developed and perfected in the last five decades of his distinguished career in art.
Dynamic lines, subtle colours and human forms dominate his works showcased at the exhibition titled “Discourse of Silence” which refers to a series which serves as the highlight of the show. Applying colours inspired by the desert landscape of his home country, he created images and characters depicting profound universal human values while demonstrating deep cultural connection to his roots.
“In my work, form and symbols intertwine with earth colors, creating the balance among intellectual, rationalistic and physical values within a central core, which is the human being,” said Kaabi.
Art enthusiasts viewing works of Saadi Al Kaabi.
Born in Najaf, Iraq in 1937, Kaabi has held solo exhibitions and participated in festivals in various cities around the world such as Baghdad, Paris, Rome, New York, Moscow, Stockholm, Berlin, Prague, Beijing, Ankara, and in virtually all Arab countries.
His artistic excellence has been recognized far and wide receiving accolades including award of excellence from the International Festival of Graphics in Belgium, gold prize at Dhaka Biennale, gold prize at Kuwait Biennale and silver prize at the fifth triennial in India, among others. Kaabi is one of the most prominent artists Al Markhiya Gallery, Doha’s oldest privately owned gallery, has hosted.
Al Markhiya continues its mission promoting, exhibiting and selling Qatari and Arab contemporary art. It is known for its flagship event ’40 Minus’ which seeks to promote emerging artists under the age of 40.
Currently, it has two exhibition spaces-one at Katara Art Centre and another at the Fire Station which is the first privately owned gallery that opened at the museum.
Art enthusiasts have until May 23 to see the exhibition at the gallery which is open to the public from Sunday to Thursday (11am-9pm), Friday (4pm-9pm) and Saturday (11am-4pm).
