Some of the artworks on show at “Directions” virtual exhibition which was launched yesterday by Katara and Dar Hessa.
A diverse array of artworks created by 11 important contemporary Arab artists is on display at “Directions”, a virtual exhibition launched yesterday by the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara in cooperation with Dar Hessa.
The exhibition features works by Hanadi Al Darwish (Qatar), Samir Ben Gouia (Tunisia), Amna Al Nasiri (Yemen), Mohammed Al Ameri (Jordan), Moosa Omar (Oman), Raouf Rifai (Lebanon), Rashid Diab (Sudan), Thuraya Al Baqsami (Kuwait), Omar Alshahabi (Iraq), Bashar Alhroub (Palestine) and Abdellah El Haitout (Morocco).
In her mixed media works on show, Qatari artist Hanadi Al Darwish integrates calligraphy into a mosaic of colours in vivid and stunning composition. Having held important positions in the art community, Al Darwish has taken part in and organised various art exhibitions and forums. Recently, she successfully led, through her company Dar Hessa in cooperation with Qatar Charity, a charity auction of works by local artists to help low-income families heavily impacted by the pandemic.
Considered one of the most important figurative abstract painters in the Middle East today, Raouf Rifai showcases charming, childlike caricatures with beautifully layered colours and textures. With over 40 years of artistic career, this multi-awarded Lebanese born artist has traversed various cultures through his art which is widely exhibited and collected around the world.
Celebrated Sudanese visual artist Rashid Diab’s paintings exhibited are distinguished by the artist’s use of colour, form and space. Born and raised in a small town on the banks of the Blue Nile in Sudan, diab has always had fascination with travel and discovering new places, people, and different ways of life which allowed him to fully appreciate his diverse Sudanese heritage.
“Directions” can be accessed online until December 15 through: http://bit.ly/3oo6J7l. It is the 11th virtual exhibition presented by Katara as part of its continuous initiatives that contribute to revitalising the visual art movement in Qatar and the creativity of local and international visual artists in the context of COVID-19 and preventing its spread. It follows “Fine Arabic Calligraphy” group exhibition featuring Turkish artists and “Portraits” featuring 29 works by seasoned Qatari portrait artist Eman Al Sulaiti.
Previously, Katara also launched virtual exhibitions including“Femmes à la mode” featuring 12 paintings by Indian artist Surabhi, “Trace” which showcases abstract paintings by Qatari artist Jawaher Al Mannai inspired by carvings found in archaelogical sites north of Qatar, “The Unreachable Mirage” displaying 20 paintings by Qatari artist Masoud Al Bulushi which depict portraits of women wearing traditional face covering, and “Heritage” featuring works by Hassan Bu Jassoum reflecting important aspects of Qatari culture and heritage.
Katara’s ongoing virtual exhibitions also include “Patches” by Syrian contemporary artist Hadi Qasous showcasing 16 paintings which integrate calligraphy and stunning colours and shapes, “Culture Collision” by Hassan Taleb Alsalat which displays 14 interesting artworks that place famous cartoon characters in a the Gulf setting, “The Result” by Fatima Al Nuaimi which displays 19 acrylic on canvas works which reflect both unanticipated and foreseen results, and “Al Taybeen” by Ali Dasmal Al Kuwari which focuses on 17 realist paintings depicting traditional objects and Qatari architecture.
