It’s cachet if observers are drawing parallel between your art pieces and the pieces of Picasso, legendary Spanish painter. It is not just a matter of pride but rather an indication that you’re well on your way of making it big in the world of creativity and arts in particular.
An exhibition ‘Past to Present’ by Hamad al-Humaidhan, a 19-year-old artist from Kuwait also called as ‘Young Picasso,’ recently opened at Art29 Gallery at W Doha Hotel.
The exhibition features 28 paintings and will remain open for public till March 30 from 10am to 10pm every day. The exhibition’s opening co-incided with the celebrations of Kuwait National Day.
‘Past to Present’ is a compilation of Hamad’s work throughout the years selected from 2014 till date. Each painting illustrates a particular story and when all put together, the collection inevitably depicts the developments made throughout Hamad’s journey. Dubbed by critics early in his career as ‘Young Picasso’, the Kuwaiti artist developed his recent collection to narrate the inspiring tale of his life as depicted through vibrant strokes of colour and movement.
The painting reflects his sensibility. His works, inspired from the life, symbolises the feminity, the nostalgia and the love. The paintings approached without preconceived ideas and opened forms of expressions, delivered to the blow of heart.
Heavily influenced by his father at a young age, most of Hamad’s inspiration came from either watching his father paint or browsing one of his father’s many art books. Greatly inspired, young Hamad started going to museums, galleries, exhibitions and historic buildings – turning his hobby into a newly full-blown passion. It was a sheer coincidence that the young artist adopted a Picasso cubist style of painting, not having ever previously seen any of Picasso’s works. He paints his world with youthful emotions. Each character, fiction or non-fiction, is composed with delicate mastery. Young Picasso did not falter in his exploration of different pictorial genres and consistent questioning of concepts, all refining and enriching his colour palette.
At the opening ceremony, Hamad’s father and mother also attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition. Speaking on the occasion, his father shared the sequence of events of artistic journey of Hamad and expressed his pride for the success of his son. He also narrated how the British press started calling Hamad, the young Picasso.
Talking to Community, Hamad said, “I started painting when I was only seven-year-old. As a child, I did not wish to be a successful artist that I am today. I show people what I can do. My future goal is to keep going and never give up. No matter how old I am. Even if I am 90 and living, I will paint. I want to inspire people and show them my talent. I believe everybody has some kind of talent. My next exhibition will be in Bahrain. It will open on March 9. The exhibition will have small paintings and small sketches.
“I have been using different techniques for my creative works. I think the genre that fits me the most is abstract cubistic. I mean I do not try to paint in a certain way. I just paint how I paint. It just becomes a style itself. I use many paints. I use oil colours, acrylic coulours, and wash colours. I want to experiment with different sizes of brushes and different styles of canvasses.”
Describing his works on the display, Hamad said, “I will describe all the works put together as a collection of happy paintings. A collection of paintings that inspires people. When you look at the paintings you get motivated, may be, to paint yourself. Happy colours inside the paintings are motivating. I do not like to paint dark colours. Each painting has its own message. Overall, the message says to stay close to your families and close to your loved ones. You have to be happy in life. There is no point in being sad. Try and avoid being sad.
“To be successful in life, you need to have a goal first. You have to keep practising and show people what you can do. So that they can help you and support you anyway they can.”
“So far, it is my first visit to Qatar. I am so happy to exhibit here and I am so excited with the feedback that I’m getting. I am loving it. I appreciate that everyone came for my exhibition.”
Carlos Hernández, Ambassador of Argentina, said, “I did not know much about the artist. But, now I am quite impressed with his works because of the colours and quality of his work. I am surprised because he is very young. He has already been selling his paintings. I like his style. It is a very nice exhibition. I’m so impressed with his work and creative talent that I’ve already asked him to do something in Argentina as well.
“Qatar is extremely supportive to everyone when it comes to art. Qatar is famous for doing this all over the world. I learnt about that before I was posted here. I have been here for only six months.”
Pasquale Salzano, Ambassador of Italy, added, “I am very impressed to see this exhibition by the young and talented Kuwaiti artist. He is called as the young Picasso. Indeed, these pieces of art are an impressive combination of sentiments, ideas and colours. I am particularly impressed by one piece of art called ‘United We Are Stronger.’ This is a very important message.”
Wassim Daaje, General Manager of W Doha, said, “Young talent coupled with such passion is quite rare and we are proud to encourage the youth of Qatar as well as the region to express themselves through their art. ART29 will always be a creative platform for talent and inspiring artists to come together and motivate one another to keep chasing after their dreams and goals.”
MAESTRO: Hamad al-Humaidhan, called as the ‘Young Picasso’ with his painting. Photos by Nasar TK
