For the Sake of Art
writing by Youness Maimoun
December-24-2024
On March 26, 2019, the Qatar Arts Center witnessed a remarkable event with the organization of an art exhibition titled "For the Sake of Art." This exhibition was a collaboration between students from UCL Qatar University College London in Qatar and the Qatar Arts Center. It served as a unique opportunity to celebrate contemporary Arab art, showcasing the works of four prominent Arab artists who have left their mark on the art scene.
The participating artists included:
- Yousef Ahmad: The renowned Qatari artist whose works blend traditional techniques with modern methods, reflecting the interplay between heritage and modernity in Qatari and Arab culture.
- Nazar Yahya: The Iraqi artist known for his mastery of using colors and geometric shapes, expressing contemporary humanitarian and cultural issues through his distinctive style.
- Dia Al-Azzawi: A prominent figure in Iraqi fine arts, celebrated for his unique fusion of painting and abstraction, with a clear nod to Arab cultural heritage, particularly in the context of political and social transformations.
- H.E. Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed Al Thani: Founder of the Qatar Arts Center and a key supporter of culture and art in Qatar and the Arab world. His works reflect a profound engagement with Qatari and Arab identity.
The exhibition served as a distinguished platform to showcase artworks addressing deep humanitarian and cultural issues, emphasizing the role of art in expressing cultural identity and preserving heritage. It also stood as a stellar example of collaboration between academic and artistic institutions in Qatar, aiming to support and develop the local and global art scene.