Two solo art exhibitions at Katara – the Cultural Village feature unique and diverse range of works from Tunisian and Cuban artists.
Malek Hamza bin Said’s “Plants throughout Ages Decorating Palaces Exhibition” at Building No 22, showcases the artist’s keenness in using natural materials for his work intended for displays in dwelling places.
He said the exhibition is seen as an opportunity to raise awareness on further beautifying their houses by applying “a touch of art.”
Said uses various natural materials such as green plants and drift wood for his sculptures composed of planted frames with live indoor plants (for his Hanging Gardens of Babylon), natural raw (green plants) material, shapes made of driftwood (for his Wooden Volumes).
Another masterpiece, the “Spirit of The Forest,” made of natural preserved materials, portrays a beautiful woman dressed in green who seemed to be in control of the forest.
The Tunisian artist applies new techniques to enliven and highlight the natural beauty of the plants used for every masterpiece.
Some of his unique works include the “Horizon,” which features the Doha skyline coupled with green background, and the “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” in ancient Iraq, which he regards as the most important art piece at the exhibition.
Said noted that many wooden sculptures and carvings have attracted fellow artists and enthusiasts who visited the exhibition which concludes on April 29.
“It took me three months to prepare for this debut and I once again thank Katara for this amazing opportunity and for hosting my exhibition to create better public understanding of this kind of beautiful art,” he said.
At Building 19, Gallery 2 is another collection of notable sculptures and paintings exhibited by renowned Cuban artist Ernesto Milanes.
Titled Artisa, the debut exhibition of Milanes in the Arab region, will conclude on April 30. Milanes’ works feature several sculptures and paintings, as well as engravings and ceramics that include portraits of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Cuban president Raul Castro and former president Fidel Castro.
The paintings were given as gifts to Katara as “token of appreciation for the institution’s efforts in celebrating and embracing various cultures and history.”
Such a gesture, Milanes noted, aims to further enhance relationship between Qatar and Cuba especially in the field of art and culture.
He believes that hosting such exhibitions will continue to attract more artists from different countries to hold exhibitions at Katara, bringing their traditions and rich heritage close to the Qatari community. The two exhibitions are open to the public from 10am to 10pm.