Exhibition featuring the cultural heritage of Qatar

The art exhibition recently inaugurated at City Centre Rotana Doha will continue till December 20. The exhibition highlights Qatari talents and their creativity avidly displayed in their paintings. The artwork by four Qatari women is a reflection of their patriotism and love for their country. It is a tribute to the spirit of togetherness and unity on the occasion of Qatar National Day. From culture, Arabic calligraphy, old traditions, architecture, to the portraits of the members of the Royal Family, the exhibition features it all.The participating artists, include Hessa Kalla, Aldana al-Hawbash, Aisha Salem al-Abdallah and Mona al-Anbari. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was attended by notable personalities of the community, local media, art lovers, bloggers and influencers.Talking to Community, Hessa Kalla said, “I started painting when I was studying in the school. I have evolved as an artist and I try to keep improving my work with every exhibition and piece I create. I have taken part in various exhibitions locally, in neighbouring countries, and some international exhibitions in Europe. I got first prize in an art symposium that hosted 33 Asian countries in Bangladesh in 2014 as well.”About her work on display at the exhibition, she says, “Rotana is a well-known place. My three pieces exhibited here are a mesh of local Qatari culture and different other cultures in the world. They are abstract paintings featuring Arabic script and other scripts in abstract patterns.”Talking about the platforms for artists, available in Qatar, Hessa says, “There is a great support for the artists from the government and all the relevant institutes. I have always been supported by Katara, Ministry of Culture and Souq Waqif Art Centre. I have attended many exhibitions in Qatar. There are a lot of different platforms and galleries in specific for the artists to showcase their work.”She added, “All the participating artists are very happy to be here. The exhibition has provided us yet another opportunity to exhibit the true picture of Qatar to the foreign visitors.”Speaking about the event to Community, Sena Catak, Director of Marketing and Communications at City Centre Rotana Doha, said, “This exhibition is to express solidarity with Qatar on the Qatar National Day. We feel proud to host the exhibition featuring local artists. This is our tradition at the hotel to support the local talent, both Qataris and expatriates. The exhibition is open for public. We want every visitor to come and enjoy the artworks featuring Qatar and its cultural heritage.”“This time we are featuring the works of the female artists only. We want to emphasise on the power of women. We wanted to provide them a platform to reach out to a wider audience. We are expecting all the art lovers in Doha to visit the exhibition,” she said.Martin Kendall, General Manager at City Centre Rotana Doha, inaugurated the exhibition. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Today we celebrate a group of creative Qatari artists who are keen to share their love and passion for the State of Qatar through the exhibition that showcases their fabulous art work to coincide with the the country’s preparations to mark the National Day. These Qatari artists are sharing their vision and imagination by relating their paintings with inspirational personalities, heritage and the Qatari culture”.“At City Centre Rotana Doha we are keen to support talent in general and Qataris in particular. This art exhibition is yet another initiative by the hotel to encourage all talents by providing them the perfect environment and platform that matches their outstanding artworks,” he added.