(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Qatar's creative landscape has quickly flourished – one that is thriving in the arts. From acquiring public artworks to hosting exhibitions by prominent artists, the country remains committed in cultivating its local artistic talents.
In collaboration with Al Jazeera media Network, Qatar Foundation's (QF's) Arabic documentary titled Through the Archways of Art will premier on June 20 at 8pm on Al Jazeera Documentary, and highlights Qatar's emerging art scene and the role that QF plays in fostering the country's commitment to the arts.
The short film pays tribute to QF's collection, which has become home to a number of exceptional art pieces found inside and outside the buildings in Education City, including the late Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain's Seeroo fi al ardh.
Speakers from a variety of QF entities and local stakeholders discuss various topics in the 24-minute documentary, including the role of art in shaping societies, the relationship between art and culture, the impact that art has on a person's development, and Seeroo fi al ardh. Located next to the Al Shaqab arena, the audio-visual installation falls in alignment with M.F. Husain's passion for creativity and freedom.
Qatari artist Yousef Ahmed, who is featured in the documentary, said that M.F. Husain was interested in subjects related to the Earth and people, and therefore has featured horses in his artwork. This was said to be a manner consistent with his vision – that the world has no limits.
Ahmed emphasized in the documentary that QF hosting M.F. Husain's last art piece shows Qatar is open to the world, saying:“Qatar has always been an incubator of creativity and art from all over the world, and Seeroo fi al ardh is an opportunity to present the history of the artist Maqbool Fida Husain in a manner worthy of him and his art.”
“His message is universal. Qatar built this magnificent building to immortalize Maqbool Fida Husain's philosophy, history, and art. Through his art, he connects Islamic philosophy and the Holy Quran with his artistic Indian heritage,” Ahmed said.
The art installation has become a distinguished work of Arab contemporary art with a significant link to the region's history, people, and their contribution to human civilization. And today, art is playing a major role in creating dialogue and stimulating critical thinking.
“As a teacher, I always make sure that my students have the incentive to explore the world around them, because as an artist or designer, you get inspired by what is around you.
Art classes at university here push students to discover artworks by different artists, and get into discussions with other people, which helps them mature and develop as artists and designers, rather than as students only,” said Majdulin Nasrallah, Designer and Visual Artist.