(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation has unveiled a piece of artwork in Education City. Titled“Azzm”, it consists of three granite sculptures depicting local women wearing abayas and battoulahs – the region's traditional clothing.
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The artwork was designed by His Excellency Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al Thani, Advisor of Cultural Affairs at Qatar Foundation (QF).
Explaining how the piece has been designed to exaggerate the shape of the clothing as the women march into the wind, he said:“I intended this work to highlight the strength of the nation and how it has overcome challenges.
“This work was chosen by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. And the selection of three women signifies the three focus areas of QF, which are science and research, education, and community development.
“The work showcases the women walking into the wind, which is illustrated by the angle of the sculptures as they lean into the wind, and the rippling of the abayas. This aims to showcase a women's strength, confronting challenges faces in life, while the smooth granite was chosen to show the silk cloak, which embodies the strength and solidarity of the women.”
His Excellency Sheikh Hassan explained how the idea for the artwork started small, beginning with just a design on paper, and then grew to a clay model and finally to the piece in Education City.
The whole process, from beginning to end, took about two and a half years, as granite is a difficult material to work with.
“The work was initially designed in three different sizes. But I eventually chose this specific size as I felt it reflected the determination, continuity, and the ability to survive.”
Speaking about the importance of public art, His Excellency Sheikh Hassan said it can add beauty to spaces, and can serve as a form of education – helping visitors engage, interact, and question different ideas and concepts.
Adding that art is an important component of a country's culture, he explained that it is also a creative expression of an individual's experiences, vision, and philosophy.
“Art is the jewel in the crown of civilization – it reflects the renaissance of nations and the advancement of societies.”
The piece was designed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of QF, and is located near the 2015 building (QF Headquarters).