Doha: Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) unveiled Batoula Exhibition “6D” by Qatari artist Fatma Al Shebani on Saturday. The opening was attended by Ahmad Al Sayed, the deputy general manager for operations in Katara and the American Ambassador to Qatar Dana Shell Smith as well as a group of Qatari and foreign artists and journalists. The exhibition presents two models of batoula and bukhnuq made from different materials by the artist.
Bukhnuq is a veil worn by girls before the marriage and after the marriage women used to wear the batoula. These two attires were integral part of female costumes in the GCC. These traditional accessories are introduced in this exhibition in a very creative and contemporary way.
During the opening, Al Sayed said that Al Shebani’s exhibition presents a peek into women’s fashion, such as Batoula and Bukhnuq, which is a part of Qatar's heritage. These two fashion items are presented in a homogeneous and artistic manner by the artist.
“Katara doesn’t hesitate to support Qatari artists and it also encourages them to present their ideas within their artistic vision. This would enrich the local artistic landscape and help them reach the international arena," Al Sayed added.
Al Shebani said: ”After holding different exhibitions in 4D and 5D, my thoughts were revolving around my experience that started since the seventies. The 6D is a time travel and vertical distance. Through this flashback technique, I intended to introduce contemporary creative artistic vision through “batoula and bukhnuq”. My concern is not to close these time gates and to not to lose our connection with that time."
Impressed with the works displayed by the Qatari artist, the American ambassador said: ”The exhibition unveils the forms of Qatari traditions, women attire and its social and cultural indications.”
The Peninsula
