The art scene in Qatar is thriving. It has long been the centre of the Arab world’s traditional, modern and contemporary art. Qatar is seeing a boom in innovation and diversity due to its thriving artistic culture, reflected in the abundance of museums, galleries and cultural displays. The beauty of Qatar has been portrayed by numerous local artists throughout the years and this has attracted the interest of art enthusiasts worldwide. Qatari artists set the scene for an abundance of cultural heritage that is reflected in their pieces. With that, GRAZIA brings you Qatari artists to keep on your radar.
Bouthayna Al Muftah
Multidisciplinary Qatari artist Bouthayna Al Muftah from Qatar moves between painting, printmaking and documenting. Her developing technique has produced dynamic performance pieces and immersive installations with a strong connection to Qatar’s culture. Also, her connection to the past and the resurgence of her homeland is reflected in this heritage. It is weaved from oral history and folklore, serving as a canvas for reinterpretation. Bouthayna’s signature typeface and colour scheme set her work apart.
Wafika Sultan Al-Essa
One of the pioneers of art in Qatar, Wafika Sultan Al-Essa, is a Qatari artist who specializes in painting and plastic arts. Notably, Cairo University awarded her a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Arts. Also, she is a founder member of the Qatar Fine Arts Association and among the first women in the nation to study and work professionally in the arts. She has had positions as an interior designer and a production supervisor in Qatar TV’s production division. Furthermore, her work has been shown locally at Qatar Museums Gallery Alriwaq and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art and internationally in Kuwait, London, Paris and Tunis.
Sara Foryame
Sara Foryame breaks down barriers that are unconventional by using art to explore Islam and culture. Addressing issues like gender identity, what it’s like to be a Muslim woman and how these parts of her life are portrayed in the media, her work knows no bounds. Apart from conveying impactful themes via her artwork, Foryame also assists up-and-coming artists and endeavours to mitigate cultural differences via her workshops and exhibitions. Her primary objective is to foster a meaningful connection with the Muslim population in the UK and Qatar.
Sheikh Mubarak Nasser Al-Thani
Sheikh Mubarak Nasser Al-Thani, 33, is a passionate painter and works for the Qatari NGO Education Above All Foundation. He prioritizes community and Qatari history in all he does. Mubarak Nasser Al-Thani captures cities, skylines, horizons, interaction, culture, history and politics via the use of proportions, colours, geometrics, abstraction and literal expressionism. Mubarak was an artist in residence at the Doha Fire Station. Additionally, he has shown his work in exhibitions in Geneva, Doha, Saint Petersburg and New York City.
Sophia Al-Maria
Sophia Al-Maria is an American artist, writer and filmmaker who was born in Qatar. She combines science fiction, future expressions and her connection to her childhood home in a variety of media. Her goal is to always advance a narrative in her art. Her cinematic creations honour cult film while frequently illuminating the experiences of women in the modern era. After earning her degree in Comparative Literature from the American University of Cairo, she went on to Goldsmiths, University of London, to study visual and aural cultures. Moreover, she had a solo exhibition at The Whitney Museum of American Art in 2016. Her work was also included in the 2015 New Museum Triennial in New York. Most recently, her work shined on the Miu Miu SS24 show.
Wadha Al Sulaiti
Fashion design and visual artistry are the areas of expertise for Wadha Al Suleati, one of the most renowned Qatari artists. She is also a jewellery designer. Furthermore, numerous exhibitions in Qatar and other countries have exhibited her art. An important figure in the art world, she assists in planning numerous initiatives across the nation. Additionally, she is the creator of the Al-Roshana Gallery in Doha. Highly sought after her designs have appeared in numerous fashion events all over the world.
