Souq Waqif Art Center: Cultural Landmark In Qatar

The artistic landmark in Qatar, Souq Waqif Art Center is influenced by traditional Islamic and middle eastern art.  Young artists looking to learn the basic techniques used in various art disciplines, the center is a beacon for them. Since its birth on August 5, 2013, the center has made itself stand out in the crowd when it comes to having a bond with them through art presentations, exhibitions and public courses. The aim of the gallery has been to let their contemporary art work, a blend of the cultural heritage of Qatar, speak to the world.

Objectives Of The Art Center

The purpose of the art center is to spread awareness about culture and art which is seen through the paintings given shape by the artists who’ve had to broaden their imagination and, in a way, have contributed to the shaping of the art of the nation, through:

• Teaching the various disciplines of art through technical courses and workshops.
• Getting artists within and outside the state of Qatar to attain an intellectual dialogue with the artists, opening ways of expressing oneself through hosting individuals and joint art exhibitions.
• Motivating artists to shape their talent by participating in art exhibitions.
• Giving young talent a chance to develop their skills through artistic courses and workshops held during the summers.
• Presenting a cultural and historic identity to the world through a Qatari Art heritage.

Suggested Read: Souq Waqif: The Traditional Marketplace In The Heart Of Doha

Workshops Held At Souq Waqif Art Center

Art workshops are known to portray all kinds of paintings created by painters from all over the world. It is a fascinating vision to see as it is love at first sight with color. Workshops are the most ideal way of taking people on the journey of art. Some of the workshops held at the Souq waqif art center Doha include:

Sculpture

The branch of visual arts, sculpture functions in three dimensions, out of which one is plastic arts. Carving and modeling, in stone, metal, ceramics, wood and other materials are a part of the process of sculpture.  Times have changed now and contemporary art has changed the use of materials and process.  Carving, put together by welding or modeling or molded or cast are some of the ways materials are used. The stone lasts a lot longer as opposed to other perishable materials and showcases how art work has survived from the ancient times though wooden sculptures have disappeared.

Pottery

The introduction to the disciplines of sculpting through workshops and symposiums are the highlights of the techniques seen through traditional and modern art work, tools and materials used for teaching various methods of sculpting.

One of the most ancient and widespread of the arts include clay objects hardened with heat. Holding liquids or plates from which food is served. Porcelain, stoneware, earthenware and Bone China are the 4 kinds of pottery that differ according to the clay used to create them.  The art center is definitely one of the places to visit in Doha.

Paintings

In the mid- 20th century, Qatar saw the world of art emerge which led to the new- found wealth received from oil exports and a change in Qatari society. Visual arts and paintings are the depiction of sentient beings and play an important role in the culture of the country. Calligraphy, architecture and textiles are some of the forms of visual art.

Calligraphy

A visual art where symbols and gesture meet each other. It is linked to writing where a pen, ink brush and other writing instruments are used.  Functional inscriptions and designs to fine art pieces defines modern calligraphy. Letters may or may not be seen. Some of the traditional tools used are pen and ink, brush or paint are used by the writer.

Suggested Read: National Symbols of Qatar To Understand The Rich Heritage And Culture

Handicrafts

Handcrafts is an unusual kind of art work that includes creative objects made with one’s hands or simple tools. Craft is one of the many pieces of art that defines handicrafts along with other kinds of work like textiles, moldable and rigid materials, paper, plant fibers and much more.  Dhokra is one of the world’s most ancient handicrafts as it has been around for over 4,000 years.

Events At Souq Waqif Art Center

In the past, the art, one of the many places to visit in Qatar, has hosted several art exhibitions that have represented the culture and traditions of the country differently. Each exhibition has showcased all kinds of paintings and other art work in some of the most unique way. Some of the events held in the past include:

• Souq Waqif Art center members ceremony
• Students workshop results exhibition
• workshops on Qatar national day
• Eid AL Fitr event
• Scrap art exhibition Qatar

When it comes to enjoying the best of the art world, Souq Waqif Art Center Doha is the place to visit. Some of the finest paintings and other art works are seen under roof. It is a treat for the eyes. People will never want to leave and will always come back for more. The objective of an art center has always been to give birth to new artists from around the world.

FAQs