Beirut: The Katara Cultural Village on Monday held an inauguration ceremony for the "Qabasat" Exhibition, presented by Syrian artist Dr. Wassim Al Hamdou. Attending the ceremony were Katara Director-General Dr. Khalid Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and HE Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic to the State of Qatar, Dr. Bilal Turkia, alongside excellencies, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and those interested in cultural and artistic affairs.
According to Qatar News Agency, the exhibition will run until June 29 and is open to visitors who are interested in masterpieces of fine art and Arabic calligraphy. The exhibition showcases artworks that draw inspiration from Arabic calligraphy and aspects of Arab and Islamic culture through an artistic vision that combines authenticity with innovation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Bilal Turkia stated that the showcased artworks reflect the values of beauty, knowledge, and identity inherent in Arab and Islamic culture. He highlighted the artist's success in blending the authenticity of Arabic calligraphy with contemporary art, offering a creative experience that reflects human and cultural ethos through innovative techniques.
Dr. Turkia also emphasized the exhibition's significance as a showcase of Syrian art and culture in Qatar, especially during this pivotal phase in Syria's history. He noted that the exhibition demonstrates the strong relations between Qatar and Syria and the evolving cultural cooperation between the two nations, which strengthens people-to-people connections.
Dr. Wassim Al Hamdou, the artist, mentioned that the exhibition is an important milestone in a series of exhibitions he has staged in several Arab nations. He noted that Katara is a pre-eminent cultural and artistic beacon in the region, hosting innovation and deepening cultural dialogue.
Dr. Al Hamdou explained that his artistic experience showcases Arabic calligraphy through his personal style, with works executed using ink-based techniques, mixed-media approaches, and the incorporation of acrylic paint to enrich the visual depth of the pieces.