(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula
DOHA: A woman cradles a heart gently in her arms while another woman in a traditional wedding dress carries books on her head. These are two powerful images captured on lens by Qatari artist Abeer Al Kuwari on display at ‘Feminism is a Voice' art exhibition which opened on Saturday at W Doha's Art 29.
'These photographs to attempt to explain a woman's feelings towards life. ‘Follow your heart' symbolises her resolve to follow her heart regardless of where the wind of life takes her, while ‘Follow your dreams' depict an important decision she has to make-to get married or continue her studies, Al Kuwari explained when asked about her inspiration and interpretation of her 2018 photos showcased at the exhibition.
Completing her series is ‘Stand Proud' which is about adherence to one's heritage, on whether the new generation is 'standing for what our elders taught us or will it just go with the wind.
Al Kuwari, who started in photography as the first female member of Qatar Photographic Society, does not attach a special definition to the word feminism, which for her comes naturally as it is about sharing life.
'Women share the universe with men. They are mothers, daughters, sisters and wives, said Al Kuwari, who took up residency at the Fire Station two years back to further expand her craft to include drawing and sculpture.
Young Qatari artist Sumaia Al Kilani, on the other hand, said she believes everyone could be a feminist, extreme feminism is wrong and men and women should not be compared because they have their own roles to play in the society they are in.
Al Kilani's surrealist painting titled ‘Knowledge is Power' drives an important message that leadership has no gender.
'My main point for this painting is that leadership has nothing to do with gender. Being male or female does not make you superior as a leader. The essence of good leadership is one's knowledge, values, principles and accomplishments, she explained.
Another interesting artist whose works are on show is Maysaa Almumin from Kuwait. She presents two video installations set in the backdrop of the Qatari desert.
'In these two short films, the objects induced stories told by generations of women at pivotal moments of their lives from overcoming fear to the transition from childhood to womanhood, from holding on to faith to facing the possibility of losing it, said Almumin.
Al Kuwari, Al Kilani and Almumin are among the 12 local and international female artists with more than 40 art pieces in various media on show at the month-long exhibition. Other participating artists include Qatari artists Fatima Mohammed, Sheikha Al Hardan, Maryam Al Homaid, , Shua'a Al Muftah, , Sara Al-Buainain, Shouq Al Mana and Aisha Al Malki as well as Hadeer Omar from Yemen and Shaima Al Tamimi from Egypt.
The exhibition offers a multi-voiced interpretation of feminism through contemporary art. It aims to expose society to female artists who want to create a dialogue between the viewer and artwork. In addition, it tackles concepts around feminism with works that embrace women empowerment, with literal or metaphorical visualizations.
'The addition of the latest gallery at Art 29 is not just a platform to empower women alone but also a platform to empower creativity through other artists in Qatar. At the W Doha, we truly believe it is important that passionate and emerging talents are given ample opportunities to showcase their artistry, said W Doha Hotel General Manager, Wassim Daaje.
Curated by Fahad Al Obaidly, ‘Feminism is a Voice' is open for public viewing at W Doha's Art 29 from 10am to 10pm until November 20.
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