'Xpressions' at M7 highlights Qatar's thriving art scene

Qatar’s thriving art scene is on full display at Msheireb Downtown Doha’s M7, featuring a unique exhibition that showcases the captivating works of eight Doha-based Filipino artists.

The show, titled 'Xpressions' and organised by the Filipino Arts Society (FAS), highlights the diverse range of styles and mediums employed by the artists, offering a glimpse into the vibrant nature of Filipino creativity.

On view until December at M7’s Workinton (5th floor), the exhibition features the works of Alice Deleonio, Joan Ambi-Espinosa, Cecilia Galang, Wilma Lazaro, Arsenio Nidoy Jr, Adrian Aleluya, Rommel Lopena, and Eugene Espinosa.

Deleonio, a graphic designer and photographer, blends his Fine Arts degree and Advertising Arts background in his work in Qatar. Joan, inspired by her late father’s artistic legacy, embraced her passion during the pandemic, transitioning from construction to a full-time art career.

Nidoy Jr, known as Arsenic Jr, specialises in scribble art, while Aleluya's watercolour scenes have earned her international recognition. Her triumphs include winning both the International Water Colour Masters and the Venice International Water Colour Festival.

Lopena, a multimedia artist with 10 years of experience, blends photography, videography, and motion graphics to create compelling narratives. Eugene, adept in Realist and Impressionist styles, showcases his talent in portraiture and large-scale murals across various mediums.

Galang, a senior barista in Doha, transformed her artistic hobby into a burning passion. Lazaro, after a career in banking and facilities management, also made a bold move to pursue his artistic calling.

Attending the recent opening (June 27) of the exhibition were officials from the Philippine embassy in Doha, led by vice consul Monica Remsy Calangian and cultural attaché Camille Manlapaz, underscoring the importance of this cultural event.

The unique styles showcased at “Xpressions” reflect the distinct journeys and artistic voices of each participating artist. From Deleonio’s dark surrealism and Galang’s lively anime to Lazaro’s introspective realism and Nidoy Jr’s energetic scribble art, the exhibition is a celebration of the Filipino artistic spirit.

FAS, a community of passionate artists, has created a unique cultural enclave in Doha. It strives to showcase the richness of Filipino talent and creativity to the international community, offering a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue.

According to FAS, the artists aim to bridge cultural divides by engaging the local community in a shared artistic exploration through exhibitions, workshops, and public murals. Their works invite audiences to journey through diverse landscapes of human emotion and thought expressed through various crafts.

The exhibition provides a platform for these artists to share their unique perspectives, artistic journeys, and individual stories, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant world of Filipino art.