The modern Qatari art movement emerged in the mid-20th century, as a result of the new-found wealth acquired from oil exports and the subsequent modernization of Qatari society. Because of Islam's non-inclusive stance of depictions of sentient beings in visual arts, traditional figurative art historically played an insignificant role in the country's culture. Other visual art forms such as calligraphy, architecture, and textiles were more highly regarded in Qatari tradition.[1]
An Arabic calligraphy exhibition hosted by Qatar Foundation in September 2014
Historically, figurative art was not a feature of Qatari society due to Islamic traditions, and as a result, illustrative art forms such as paintings and drawings were rare. Instead, other visual art forms such as architecture, calligraphy and textiles were more highly valued.[1] However, during the oil boom in the 1950s and 1960s, figurative art began to gain popularity, with common themes focusing on Islamic and Arabic heritage.[2]
The Ministry of Education played a significant role in promoting art education in the 1950s by integrating it into the school curriculum and providing facilities for art workshops. In this vein, the ministry developed plans and programs to improve art teaching methods and enlisted skilled educators in the field. Additionally, it organized both local and national art exhibitions and provided educational resources such as films showcasing famous artists' works and various artistic techniques. Art education textbooks focusing on art appreciation, art history, and teaching methods were also introduced to teacher training institutes. The first nation-wide student art exhibition in 1961 showcased the creativity of Qatari students, many of whom later became notable artists.[3]
The Al Jasrah neighborhood, located near the well-known Souq Waqif, was the hub of Qatari cultural life in the 1950s. It was home to significant families closely linked to the rulers and other tribes, and it became a meeting place for several artists, including: Jassim Zaini (1943–2012), who is often regarded as the founder of the modern art movement,[4]Yousef Ahmad, Hassan Al Mulla, Ali Hassan, Salman Al-Malik, and Mohammed Al-Jaida, among others. Their childhood stories and shared passion for art would, many years later, lead to the establishment of the first art group in Qatar, The Three Friends, followed by the Qatar Fine Arts Society.[5]
In the 1950s, the first social and cultural clubs, such as the Al-Oruba Club and the Al-Nasr Club, emerged. However, it wasn't until the Al Jasrah Social and Cultural Club was established in 1971 that these clubs began to contribute significantly to the art scene.[5]
Early development initiatives
As an initiative to develop the local artist base, the Ministry of Education began offering scholarships to study art abroad. Jassim Zaini became the first Qatari art student to study abroad on a scholarship in 1962 after he enrolled in the University of Baghdad.[6] Further artists were sent abroad on art scholarships during the 1960s and 1970s, including Wafika Sultan, Hassan Al Mulla and Yousef Ahmad. The latter became the first artist to receive an M.A. in 1981.[7] Wafika Sultan emerged as the first professional female visual artist after graduating in 1974.[8]
Initially, few Qatari artists had formal fine arts education, with many pursuing art through various academic routes. This changed with the establishment of Qatar University in 1973 and the eventual introduction of the Art Education Department in 1986, which produced generations of graduates. Early beneficiaries of Qatar University's arts program include artists Wafa Al-Hamad, Badriya Al-Kubaisi, and Khawla Al-Mannai.[5]
The 'Free Studio' training program became an introductory gateway for university students, conceptualized by the Ministry of Education in the late 1960s and operational by the early 1980s under the Ministry of Information. Prominent Egyptian artist Gamal Kotb played a key role in developing training programs for the studio. The studio offered courses and public lectures, with state support providing salaries for participants and inviting prominent artists for training sessions.[5]
Initial growth
Qatari sketch artist at Souq Waqif
Art exhibitions were held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education until 1972.[9] The limited art exhibitions at the time were held in venues like the Gulf Hotel, the National Museum of Qatar, the Qatar Fine Arts Society, and clubs like Al Jasra and Al Gharrafa, with no private galleries existing at the time. Notable early exhibitions include the UNESCO Art Exhibition showcasing European painters from 1900 to 1925, the Leonardo da Vinci Manuscripts Exhibition in 1972, and the Watercolor Exhibition in 1976.[5] Yousef Ahmad was the first artist to hold a solo exhibition in 1977.[7] The Department of Culture and Arts inaugurated the country's first art gallery, located in the Visual Arts Centre, in 1977 under its director Nasser Al-Othman.[3]
Several art institutions and cultural clubs began to form in the 1970s; the most prominent among these was the Al Jasrah Cultural Club, which was formed in 1971. As the art movement in Qatar began to mature, the Al Jasrah Cultural Club took on the responsibility of uniting talented artists.[5] Jassim Zaini was a member of the club's administrative committee in addition to his role as an art education supervisor at the Ministry of Education. Through his position and involvement in Al Jasrah Club, Zaini gathered many emerging talents, providing them with guidance in aspects such as color, line, and space. Among his students were several who went on to become prominent artists in the industry, including Yousef Ahmad, Salman Al Malik and Hassan Al Mulla.[10] The club was officialized in 1974 at a ceremony held in Al Jasrah Hall.[5]
Following the founding of Al Jasrah Club, several other art institutions were established. In 1976, Mohammed Al-Mannai opened the Cultural Center.[5] This was followed by Qatari government's establishment of the Department of Culture and Arts, which was later renamed the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, also in 1976.[11] Finally, in 1977, the newly established Department of Culture and Arts, under its first director Nasser Al-Othman, opened the Visual Arts Center to the public. These institutions organized international exhibitions in Qatar, showcasing the work of Qatari and regional artists and evoking public interest in the visual arts.[5]
In 1977, Yousef Ahmad, Hassan Al Mulla, and Muhammad Ali founded the country's first art group, "The Three Friends Group".[3] After chartering a bus, they traveled across Qatar, holding small-scale exhibitions where they displayed their works.[5] The Qatar Fine Arts Society was established in 1980 to promote the works of Qatari artists and held its first exhibition in 1981.[9]
Growth of women artists
Development initiatives exclusive to Qatari women artists began in 1980 with the official opening of The Free Studio, an arts education center under the Ministry of Information. With the aim of encouraging artistic talent through courses and public lectures, the center operated on a schedule that allocated two days for female students and three days for male students for two hours daily throughout the year. The first women's session took place on 6 June 1980 and was supervised by Bahraini artist Najah Al-Madani, who played a significant role in educating many women artists. Many fundamental skills were taught to both men and women, including drawing with pencil and pastels, oil painting, Arabic calligraphy, and ceramics.[5]
The state's support for The Free Studio included providing generous stipends for enrolled students, ensuring competent teachers, and facilitating student participation in exhibitions organized by the Department of Culture and Arts. Esteemed international artists were also invited to conduct training courses for the studio participants. Between 1981 and 1985, the studio produced several female artists, including Wafa Al-Hamad, Maryam Abdullah and Jamila Al-Shuraim. Many of these students, including Hessa Al-Muraikhi, who later became the supervisor of the women's section, continued their artistic practice after their training at the studio.[5]
In 1981, an art workshop was opened for women with the aim of providing them with an opportunity to hone their artistic skills.[12] In December 1982, the country's first art exhibition for women was held.[3]
In 1986, Qatar University established its Art Education Department. In the beginning, the program did not have many participants, but it gradually became a more popular field of study over time. The initial 1986 class only had two women students. This increased to eight in 1987 and eventually exceeded 20 female students a few years later. The curriculum included both theoretical courses (covering education, art history, and criticism) and practical courses focused on various art forms (drawing, painting, ceramics, design).[5]
A member of the ruling family, Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, has been an instrumental figure in developing Qatar's modern art industry since the 1980s.[13] Among his art-related activities was establishing his own museum which doubled as a residency space for Doha-based artists in 1994, and establishing the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in 2010 to which he donated his entire art collection, which he had begun assembling in 1986.[14]
In 1998, Department of Culture and Arts was integrated into the newly established National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage.[15]
The early 2000s saw a significant increase in female artistic talent in Qatar. Many women artists, such as Nadia Al-Mudihki, Amal Al-Atham, and Hanadi Darwish, assumed leadership roles in art centers. Hanadi Darwish, for example, is a plastic artist who became the chairwoman of the Girls Creativity Center, which is under the supervision Ministry of Youth. These centers provided emerging women artists with opportunities for artistic development through various training centers and international courses.[5]
When a quartet comprising Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed all ties with and imposed a blockade of Qatar on 5 June 2017,[16] Qatari artist Ahmed Al-Maadheed created an illustration known as Tamim Almajd (2017), which translates to "Tamim the Glorious". A simple black and white sketch of Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, beneath which is the text "Tamim Almajd" in the style of Arabic calligraphy, the illustration has become symbolic of Qatari nationalism. During the diplomatic spat, the image was displayed prominently on buildings, in media and art in Qatar.[17]
Upon Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani's accession to the throne in 1972, he drew up plans for a national museum in order to document the country's heritage and traditions. It was decided that the building would enclose the Old Amiri Palace, a dilapidated early-20th century palace previously occupied by Qatar's former emir, Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani.[18] Originally named the Qatar National Museum, it was inaugurated on 23 June 1975.[19] This museum was replaced by another similarly named museum, the National Museum of Qatar, built on the same site and opened on 28 March 2019. The building was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar.[20]
At the 2022 Doha Forum, Qatar Museum's Chairperson, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, revealed plans for a further three museums:[24] The first, the Art Mill, located on the site of a historic flour mill, a centre designed by Alejandro Aravena of Elemental,[25] will accommodate presentation facilities for artistic media and for present day art, as well as spaces for educational activities and internship programs, workrooms, a centre for the cultural industries of Qatar, the Dhow Centre, as well as gardens. The second, the Lusail Museum, designed by architect Jacques Herzog of Herzog & de Meuron,[26] a museum of more than 52,000 square meters will comprise different cultural spaces and accommodate the world's most extensive exhibition of orientalist art. The third newly proposed museum, the Qatar Auto Museum, will feature permanent galleries centered around the automobile and its development in Qatar.[27]
Textiles
Weaving and dyeing
Tapestry patterns on display at the National Museum of Qatar
Weaving and dyeing played a substantial role in Bedouin culture.[28] The process of spinning sheep's and camel's wool to produce cloth was laborious. The wool was first disentangled and tied to a bobbin, which would serve as a core and keep the fibers rigid. This was followed by spinning the wool by hand on a spindle known as a noul.[29] They were then placed on a vertical loom constructed from wood whereupon women would use a stick to beat the weft into place.[30]
The resulting cloths were used in rugs, carpets, and tents. Tents were usually made up of naturally colored cloth, whereas rugs and carpets used dyed cloth, mainly red and yellow.[30] The dyes were made from desert herbs, with simple geometrical designs being employed. The art lost popularity in the 19th century as dyes and cloth were increasingly imported from other regions in Asia.[30]
Embroidery
Embroidered dresses on display in Souq Waqif
A simple form of embroidery practiced by Qatari women was known as kurar. It involved four women, each carrying four threads, who braided the threads on articles of clothing, mainly thawbs or abayas. The braids, varying in color, were sewn vertically. It was similar to heavy chain stitch embroidery.[30] Gold threads, known as zari, were commonly used. They were usually imported from India.[31]
Another type of embroidery involved the designing of caps called gohfiahs. They were made from cotton and were pierced with thorns from palm trees to allow the women to sew between the holes. This form of embroidery declined in popularity after the country began importing the caps.[31]
Khiyat al madrasa, translated as 'school embroidery', involved the stitching of furnishings by satin stitching. Prior to the stitching process, a shape was drawn onto the fabric by a skilled artist. The most common designs were birds and flowers.[1]
The numerous forts found throughout the Qatari peninsula are a testament to the country's ancient construction methods.[32] Most forts were constructed using mainly limestone, with other constituents such as mud and clay brick also being used. A type of mixture consisting of mud and clay brick known locally as lubnah was sometimes used in the construction of forts, such as in Ar Rakiyat Fort.[33]
Traditional architecture
Most traditional houses in the capital Doha were tightly packed and arranged around a central courtyard. Some rooms were situated in the courtyard, most often including a majilis, bathroom and store room. The houses were made from limestone quarried from local sources. Walls surrounding the compounds were made up of compressed mud, gravel, and small stones. As they were heavily susceptible to natural erosion, they were protected by gypsumplaster. Mangrove poles wrapped in jute rope provided structural support for the windows and doors.[34]
Traditional Qatari houses in Al Wakrah Heritage Village
Roofs were typically flat and were supported by mangrove poles. The poles were covered with a layer of split bamboo and a palm mat locally called manghrour. The mangrove poles often extended past the exterior walls for decorative purposes. Doors were made of metal or wood. Colored glass employing geometrical designs was sometimes used in windows.[34] The local architecture shows the use of the reddish stone of Qatar, as well as little use of wood due to the scarcity of resources in the region.
Several methods were used in traditional architecture to alleviate the harsh climate of the country. Windows were seldom used in order to reduce heat conduction.[34] The badgheer construction method allowed air to be channeled into houses for ventilation purposes. This was accomplished by several methods, including horizontal air gaps in rooms and parapets, and vertical openings in wind towers called hawaya which drew air into the courtyards. Wind towers, however, were not as common in Doha as they were in other parts of the country.[35]
Shortly after Qatar gained independence, many of the districts of old Doha, including Al Najada, Al Asmakh, and Old Al Hitmi, faced gradual decline, and as a result, much of their historical architecture has been demolished.[36] A number of schemes have been taken to preserve the city's cultural and architectural heritage, such as the Qatar Museums Authority's 'Al Turath al Hai' ('living heritage') initiative.[37]
Modern architecture
Qatar in the past two decades has pinpointed its place on the world map with prominent global landmarks including Education City which showcases architecture from numerous architects including Rem Koolhaas who designed the Qatar National Library during 2018 and the Qatar Foundation headquarters back in 2014.[38]
Among Qatar's notable architects is Japanese architect Arata Isozaki who contributed towards designing countless buildings in Education City,[39] including the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC), the Liberal Arts and Science Building (LAS) and the Qatar Foundation Ceremonial Court.[38]
Qatar's art initiatives have expanded tremendously in recent years with the opening of massive great projects including the Doha Fire Station which exhibits art at the heart of the city.[40]
Under the guidance of the CEO of Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser,[43]Education City has become a home for modernistic buildings originating from worldwide architects contributing to the building of schools, universities, offices, and accommodations for the community.[38][44]
Ancient rock carvings have been discovered in eight separate locations in Qatar: Jebel Jassassiyeh, Jebel Fuwayrit, Freiha, Al Ghariyah, Al Jumail, Simaisma, Al Wakrah and Al Qassar. Most of these sites were discovered by Danish archaeological teams in the 1950s and 1960s.[60] The carvings are classified in several categories, including human and animal representation, boat representation, cup-marks, large cavities, geometric designs, tribal marks, and hand- and footprints.[61]
A large number of rock carvings were discovered in Jebel Jassassiyeh, in northeast Qatar, in 1961. Variations in motifs and techniques indicate that the carvings were made through various historical periods.[62] Cup marks are the most common forms of art among the nearly 900 carvings. Other carvings include ships, animals, foot-prints and tribal marks (known as wasum).[60][63] Different animals are depicted, such as ostriches, turtles, and fish. A large number of the carvings illustrate boats, and this is the only site in Qatar where boat depictions have been recorded. The boats are of different sizes and types, and some contain oars while others do not.[64]
Geometrical designs were recorded at Freiha in four places. They measure 11 to 15cm in width and 11 to 12cm in height. Danish archaeologist Peter Glob believed that they were carved by an ancient fertility cult.[65][66] This theory was disputed by Muhammad Abdul Nayeem, who believes that they are simply abstract symbols or tribal marks.[65]
Notable artists
Jassim Zaini, probably the most important Qatari artist, founding the modern movement[6]
Faraj Daham, a Qatari artist and founding member of the Qatari Fine Arts Society,[67] his work addresses social and political topics in painting and installation, often using recycled material and raw material
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani is a member of the ruling Al Thani Qatari royal family. He was the ruling Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013 when he abdicated the throne, handing power to his fourth son Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who was born to his second spouse, Moza bint Nassir. The Qatari government refers to him as the Father Emir.
The Consultative Assembly is the legislative body of the State of Qatar, with 45 members. Following the 2021 Qatari general election, it has 30 elected and 15 appointed members. The body can only question the prime minister, who is appointed by the Emir of Qatar, on his policies if two-thirds of the members agree, which is unlikely given that one-third of the members are appointed by the Emir.
Al Jasrah is a district in Qatar, located in the municipality of Ad Dawhah.
The culture of Qatar is strongly influenced by traditional Bedouin culture, with less acute influence deriving from India, East Africa, and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf. The peninsula's harsh climate has historically shaped the lifestyle of its inhabitants, driving a reliance on the sea for sustenance and fostering a distinct emphasis on maritime activities within local culture. Arts and literature themes are often related to sea-based activities. Qatari folklore and music best enshrine the state's marine tradition, with pearling trips serving as the main inspiration for music and traditional Qatari myths like May and Ghilân being centered around the sea.
Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the sister of Qatar's ruling Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and daughter of the country's former Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his second wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned. Al-Mayassa was declared the most influential person in art on Art+Auction's top-10 list and ArtReview's Power 100, and prominently appears on the Time 100, and Forbes' The World's 100 Most Powerful Women. She was listed in the 'Top 100 most powerful Arabs' from 2014 to 2017 and 2021 by Gulf Business. Al-Mayassa serves as Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and it was reported by Bloomberg that her annual acquisition budget on behalf of the organization is estimated at $1 billion.
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is a museum in Doha, Qatar with over 9,000 objects. Established in 2010, it is considered a major cultural attraction in the country.
Qatar Museums is a Qatari government entity that oversees the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, MIA Park, QM Gallery at the Katara Cultural Village, ALRIWAQ DOHA Exhibition Space, the Al Zubarah World Heritage Site Visitor Centre, and archaeological projects throughout Qatar, as well as the development of future projects and museums that will highlight its collections across multiple areas of activity including Orientalist art, photography, sports, children's education, and wildlife conservation.
Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani A prominent member of the Qatari royal family and the grandson of the former King of Qatar is a Qatari artist, collector, researcher, and educator in the field of modern art from the Arab world, India, and Asia. His multi-billion dollar art collection is one of the most valuable and extensive in the Middle East. He is Vice Chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority, Advisor for Cultural Affairs at Qatar Foundation and founder of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.
The ruling family of Qatar, the House of Thani, is deeply involved in the art field. For more than twenty years, some of its members have been accumulating numerous precious pieces of artwork.
Yousef Ahmad is a Qatari artist, art adviser, collector, writer and educator in the field of art. He is a leading figure of Qatar's cultural development and regularly represent his country at international biennials and events. His art work has been displayed internationally.
The Qatar Museums (QM) Public Art Department is responsible for overseeing the installation of artwork by renowned artists in the public realm in Qatar, creating an artist residency program for young local artists to help them develop their skills, organizing exhibitions featuring international artists and developing an online community of both local and international creative talents. The QM intends to develop Qatar into a world-class cultural destination, notably in modern and contemporary art.
The National Museum of Qatar is a national museum in Doha, Qatar. The current building opened to the public on 28 March 2019, replacing the previous building which opened in 1975. The building was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The museum site includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani's Palace, which is the heart of the Qatari national identity. From 2013 to 2023, the director of the museum was Sheikha Amna. In February 2024, Sheikh Abdulaziz H. Al Thani became director of the Museum.
Wafika Sultan Al-Essa is a Qatari artist specializing in painting and plastic arts. She has occupied posts in Qatar TV's production department. She is one of the first females in the country to study and practice art professionally. She has been described as a pioneer of modern art in Qatar.
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is a privately owned museum located in the municipality of Al-Shahaniya in Qatar. Encompassing an area of 530,000 m2, the three-building museum was opened in 1998 by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani.
Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the brother of the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and son of the country's Father Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Al Thani sits on the board of directors of the Doha Film Institute and International Bank of Qatar.
Bouthayna Al-Muftah is a Qatari artist, best known for her work in printmaking and drawing. Her works are characterized by the frequent use of black ink, which she integrates into nearly all of her creations.
The architecture of Qatar, similarly to other Persian Gulf nations, is strongly influenced by Islamic architecture. Qatari architecture has retained its Islamic essence, evident in the unadorned, humble designs of its mosques. This tradition extends to other buildings, which feature many decorative elements such as arches, niches, intricately carved plaster patterns, gypsum screens, and battlements atop walls and towers.
The Fire Station in Doha, Qatar, is a former base for the Qatari Civil Defense Authority repurposed for the Artists in Residence programme of the Qatar Museums. Khalifa Al Obaidli is the director and Saida Al Khulaifi is the head of programmes and exhibitions. On 4 April 2023, the Fire Station held its first public event for Garangao night which was open to people of all ages.
Jassim Zaini was a Qatari artist who was widely regarded as a leading figure in the development of Qatari art, and often referred to as "the father of modern Qatari art". He described his style as "advanced realism". Renowned for his ability to incorporate expressive realism with elements of Cubism, Impressionism, and Surrealism, his works, deeply rooted in the local environment, reflect the people, traditions, and transformations of Qatar from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Abdul Nayeem, Muhammad (1998). Qatar Prehistory and Protohistory from the Most Ancient Times (Ca. 1,000,000 to End of B.C. Era). Hyderabad Publishers. ISBN9788185492049.
Abu Saud, Abeer (1984). Qatari Women: Past and Present. Longman Group United Kingdom. ISBN978-0582783720.
Kozah, Mario; Abu-Husayn, Abdulrahim; Al-Murikhi, Saif Shaheen; Al-Thani, Haya (2014). The Syriac Writers of Qatar in the Seventh Century (printed.). Gorgias Press LLC. ISBN978-1463203559.
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