Artworks reflect ‘Fath Al Kheir 3 Voyage’ at Katara exhibition

DOHA: Qatari artist Fahad Al Maadid documented the month-long voyage of traditional Qatari dhow Fath Al Kheir to Oman and Kuwait through his 50 sketches on display at “The Story of Fath Al Kheir 3 Voyage” exhibition which opened on Sunday at Katara Building 19.

The exhibition inaugurated by Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti aimed at documenting the third  journey of Fath Al Kheir which was an important part of the seventh edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival.

The 50 artworks reflect the major events of the voyage which aimed to revive Qatar’s ancient maritime heritage, and spread love and peace to its neighbouring countries. 

“The exhibition was a great challenge. I wanted to document the story of the voyage in all its stages and details. It was a beautiful and interesting adventure, and a rare experience,” said Fahad. He added: “It is the first-of-its-kind exhibition in Qatar as nobody has done it before as it tells the story of the voyage and conveys a message of love and peace to our brothers in Kuwait and Oman.” 

Fahad explained that most of the sketches were mainly of the people he met and places he visited during the voyage to Kuwait and Oman.

The participants of “The Emergence of Art from the Desert” exhibition along with Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and other officials at the opening of the show on Sunday at Katara Building 22.

“I used English ink and English handmade paper for their high quality and I didn’t limit my work to this exhibition only. I want this work to continue as I am representing Qatar not only myself,” he added.

“I had done many of my sketches right on the spot where the scene is, and I aimed to change the stereotypical picture on maritime voyages and point out that it is not limited only for a sailor or a marine expert,” he explained.

He pointed out that the idea was also to revive the old method of recording events before cameras were invented, where painters or poets documented events.

Another exhibition titled “The Emergence of Art from the Desert” also opened on Sunday focusing on supporting young and amateur artists.

Fifty-five artworks by 11 students and alumni from the Al Jazeera Academy are on display at the exhibition located at Katara Building 22.

Among the participants were Jawhara Al Mana, a graduate who contributed seven artworks at the exhibition.  Khalid Al Muraikhi, a student, used faces as a main element for his nine artworks at the exhibition. 

‘My artworks are expressive. I want to give the viewers a chance to see them from different perspectives,” he said.

The exhibitions are open to public until February 28.