(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula
Doha: Upon entry to Katara Cultural Village, one finds it hard to ignore the long row of new buildings whose striking designs transform them into stunning works of art.
Arched walls are painted with iconic images such as dhows, falcons, camels, minarets, traditional costumes and jewellery and wooden doors of ancient Qatari homes which altogether bear great significance to native culture and tradition.
Portraits of hardworking pearl divers of the past, gallant Qatari horseman mounted on a beautiful Arabian stallion, and children in their traditional costumes playing in the neighbourhood are a sight to behold whenever a visitor drives by the streets or walks along the beach facing the buildings.
Eye-catching images of famous tourist spots in Qatar like the Al Zubara Fort and the Katara Amphitheatre are also among those vividly rendered by artists in the dozens of murals.
The imposing 15sqm mural called 'Challenge which was unveiled early this year is a major highlight of the works. Made up of more than one million mosaic tiles, the portrait which covers the wall of Building 39 never goes unnoticed.
But it's more than what meets the eye on the surface. Going beneath the buildings where a parking area is situated awaits a pleasant surprise for every art lover who is always on the lookout for fresh artworks.
Murals fashioned by creative hands and minds of local artists adorn the walls of the stairways leading to the basement parking space.
They are even more breathtaking with the out-of-the-box concepts and brilliant styles employed by each of their creators. While the murals that adorn the exterior walls of the buildings radiate a traditional feel, the paintings beneath are very contemporary in approach.
The murals are worth the admiration of every visitor with an eye and appreciation for contemporary public art.
They are part of Katara's new initiative aimed at promoting local art and motivating local artists to produce more unique artworks reflecting Katara's commitment to supporting local artists and the country's burgeoning art scene.
These new public art pieces once again reinforces Katara's position as a citadel of culture and the arts and presents an added value to the cultural hub as a major destination for residents and visitors alike.
Already, Katara has been bridging peoples and cultures through the art exhibitions it organizes year-round since its establishment. Its art galleries have hosted a multitude of artworks by artists from around the world. Cultural festivals featuring various facets of culture and the arts of different countries as well as performances by artistes across different continents which Katara has been hosting have helped enhance the cultural landscape of the country as well.
MENAFN3108201900630000ID1098947514
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.