QTargets exhibition pulls crowd with peace messages

The recently inaugurated exhibition will continue until January 10 next year.QTargets art exhibition is a platform, created by Ukrainian artist couple – Andrii and Nadiia Chernovil, for the talented people of all ages and backgrounds to show their skills by illustrating special peace messages on target papers.The project, curated by Nadiia who is an interior designer by profession, aims at creatively expressing the individual messages of peace. Thousands of messengers from more than 65 countries, more than 100 artworks of 60 local and international artists unite the art, sport and peaceful philosophy in the exhibition. The project was started some two months ago at the Gate Mall and it has invited almost everybody to share their messages of peace in an innovative and creative way on the target papers.The project and the exhibition are supported by Salam Inc, The Gate Mall, Gulf English School, Qatar University, College of North Atlantic Qatar, Road World Championships Qatar, International Athletes from 49th World Military Shooting Championships, Doha SkyDive Qatar Team, Soul Riders and Soul Jeepers Qatar Team, Qatar National Football team, Katara Cultural Village and Salam - Chernovol Art Gallery.The inauguration ceremony of the exhibition was attended by notable personalities, including Abdul Salam AbuIssa, CEO of Salam International; Ali al-Kuwari, President of Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation ;and Ali al-Marri, Founder of DC Center, along with the diplomats and the team of Gate Mall. Speaking on the occasion, Ali al-Kuwari said, “The project started in 2016 when Nadiia came to my office with the idea. Initially, I thought it was a nice idea but I had no clue that it would become so big and international. Target papers are primarily used for the shooting sport and the sport is loved in Qatar as a tradition. Nadiia’s idea to use the target papers for the peace message through art works got my interest instantly. We provided the target papers to them. I am amazed by the response of the artists and the messages of peace. It is becoming an international event. We are going to hold an international shooting competition in February and we will invite Nadiia with her artworks to exhibit at the competition site as well. You will be able to see shooting and enjoy the artwork at the same time.”While addressing the gathering, Nadiia said, “I am really thankful for all the support and help I got from Salam International and others for the project.”“We are happy to present the artworks that share the idea of peace, unity and positive thinking. It is an incredibly strong message that we would like to communicate to the world from Qatar. It is our aim to make sure the target paper is accepted as a canvas for artwork by the world.“Since 2016, QTargets have had thousands of messengers from more than 65 countries, including students, visitors in Qatar, famous artists, athletes, politicians, and musicians. They all have expressed their message of peace to the world through the project. QTargets project is a place for everyone. It is a project that originated in Qatar.”There are also two masterpieces exhibited at the exhibition. One art piece is titled ‘Spirit of the Qatari Emirs’ and the other is named as ‘Blooming Qatar’, signed by more than 400 visitors at the Gate Mall.While giving description of ‘Spirit of the Qatari Emirs’, the artist Andrii said, “The art piece is from the past to the present through the sands of time, clearing the sky above the country with powerful and mighty wings, the spirit of the Qatari Emirs moves swiftly.”“Trusting, and submitting to the mercy of the heavens, they look to the future with the watchful eye of a falcon. And as a bird supports itself with wings, so they support their people and their country in the present, giving honour and tribute to their ancestors who started their way in the past, at the source of the prosperity of the country of Qatar,” he added.“Qatar is a country where trees and green grass is hardly ever seen. However, from these hot sands, we witness special and beautiful flowers breaking through towards the sun. In the same way Qatar breeds strong and purposeful leaders who develop, the prosperity of this country with a dignified humility,” he said while describing his ‘Blooming Qatar’ artwork.