Souq Waqif: Souq Waqif Art Center on Monday opened the Fabric of Art exhibition which drew 20 fine artists affiliated with the center who portrayed the Qatari heritage authenticity in their artworks, reflecting the spirit of epochal creativity.
According to Qatar News Agency, the exhibition's opening was marked by artists showcasing works that combined traditional manual fabric, like the traditional woven textile "Al Sadu" and carpet weaving, with the arts of painting and Arabic calligraphy. This fusion aimed to highlight the blend of craftsmanship and art with a unique visual composition.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Souq Waqif Arts Center Manager Rowdha Al Mansoori highlighted that the idea of this event is inspired by the traditional Al Sadu craft, projecting the rich heritage of Qatar. Artists successfully captured this essence through drawing and Arabic calligraphy. She also noted that the artists took the opportunity to highlight the advent of the Holy Ramadan coinciding with the inauguration.
Al Sadu craft was chosen as the pivotal theme to revive Qatar's legacy, garnering significant attention in Qatari heritage. Al Mansoori emphasized that the center offered free space for its members to creatively engage in artworks based on this theme. A skilled female artist was hired to demonstrate the traditional woven textile methods to visitors, helping to familiarize them with the steps of interweaving to revitalize Qatar's heritage.
Souq Waqif Art Center Events Coordinator Woroud Al Saad emphasized to QNA that textile holds a prominent place in Qatar's heritage. Thus, it was employed to illuminate the beauty of this heritage, receiving notable approval among artists. The artists' works, based on this idea, also integrated traditions of the Holy Ramadan, significantly enhancing the event.
Artist Hamid Al Saadi stated to QNA that he is presenting three works at the exhibition, emphasizing Arabic calligraphy against a natural carpet background. Artist Mohammed Rajeh told QNA that his work blends visual art with Al Sadu, reflecting the spirituality and traditions of the Holy Ramadan.
Artist Dr. Al Moazz Al Ajimi stated to QNA that his work integrates Al Sadu, woven by women, fusing abstraction with realism to highlight the aesthetics of lines, color, and shadow, aiming to revive Qatari heritage. Artist Zeina Abbara told QNA that she used a loom in her work, blending pieces into her painting to highlight women's hands, signifying their contribution to traditional crafts, especially the interwoven textile that projects the deep-rooted Qatari heritage to the public.