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An Ode to Arabian horses
Distinct visual interpretations of Arabian horses seen through the eyes of two artists from different backgrounds are on display at the “Asalat Khail” (Thoroughbred) exhibition which recently opened at Souq Waqif Art Centre.
Thirty-four paintings by Palestinian artist Rima Al Mozayyen and Qatari artist Jameela Al Shraim are showcased in two galleries dedicated for equine art enthusiasts.
For several millennia, the Arabian horse has been regarded a symbol of strength, grace and gentleness in this region with a long established equine tradition. Dating back thousands of years, the Arabs have bred horses which became instrumental in leading them to victory during wars as well as served their daily life in times of peace.
Arab writers have written volumes of stories and poetry inspired by the Arabian horse’s cultural and religious importance.
This particular retrospective is an ode to the beauty and power of the Arabian horse born of noble heritage.
Al Shraim depicts the horse as spirited and dreamlike in form in her 18 paintings which adorn the walls of Gallery 1. She illustrates the horse with unparalleled beauty with its long flowing mane and tail and arched neck and high crest which signify courage.
While some are in black and white, most of Al Shraim’s paintings were created using vibrant colours and geometric shapes embedded within the figures evoking an authentic Arabic design.
In Al Mozayyen’s 16 paintings located in Gallery 2, the horse is portrayed as central to Arab way of life as told in myths and fables. Although she presents a commanding image of the horse, the artist incorporates other elements in the canvas such as the olive tree symbolic of peace and resilience.
There is richness in texture within the paintings layered with colours and filled with meaning. In some of the pieces, a panorama of other subjects arises as the viewer looks more closely into them. The inclusion of feminine elements like the designs reminiscent of embroidery in traditional Arab women clothing projects is a powerful contrast.
In some of their works, the artists include Arabic calligraphy, a common element which interweaves into the artistic and cultural facet they both embrace.
A leading Palestinian figure in contemporary art, Rima Al Mozayyen has a Master in Design degree from Helwan University in Egypt and has taught design and ceramics at Al Aqsa University. She has exhibited in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bulgaria, France, USA and Italy among others.
With more than three decades of experience in fine arts, Al Shraim has produced over 200 paintings and sculptures. She has already featured in over 25 expos in Qatar and other countries. She devoted 20 years in teaching fine arts. A member of Qatar Fine Arts society, she was one of the 10 pioneering Qatari women artists who joined the Society and accredited by the National Council for the Arts.
Launched by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, the expo runs until May 20 and is a collaboration between Porta Coeli International Art Gallery and Souq Waqif Art Centre.
The Peninsula
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com