Katara to Mark Ramadan With 12 Exhibitions Starting July 11

Doha, July 07 (QNA) - A dozen exhibitions, workshops and documentary films - ranging from Arabic calligraphy, ceramic industry of Islamic civilization, numismatics, graffiti, philately to faith - are scheduled to open July 11 at Katara Cultural Village. Katara has scheduled these events of various durations, some month long, in July to celebrate the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan. A group show called 'Show of Faith', exhibiting works of various artists explores notions of their faith will open July 11 in Building 18 at Katara's Gallery 2 at 10 am. In consonance with the holy month that promotes deeper spiritual contemplation, introspection and cleansing the 'Show of Faith' exhibition endeavours to stimulate the spirit and reflect upon whether being raised and living either within or near the holy sites of Islam - Makkah and Medinah may affect the spiritual essence of the artists' work, whether as worshippers themselves, or as witnesses to the millions of worshippers that flock each year from all over the world, Katara says in a prologue to the event. "Through the series Ihramat, artist Ayman Yossir explores the concepts of brotherhood, equality and individuality using the context of Hajj as a metaphor for life. "Saudi Arabian artist Basmah Felemban's Jeem stems from being in a country whose Wahhabi Islamic traditions promote ritual and daily practice. Her artwork reveals a deeper mystical contemplation of the hidden aspects of religion. "Ibrahim Abumsmar's Blackstone is a work whose concept is drawn from historical hadith, as a reminder of how to apply lessons from these stories to our daily life today." On promising artist Musaed Al Hulis' work 'The Sleep of the Wicked', the Katara prologue says, "is a dark caution against corruption and immorality, prompting the viewer to always heed the consequences of their actions, and reminds one that life is ephemeral and that our deeds define our future in the unknown hereafter." Ceramic artist Maher Alsamaraua, reflects the ceramic industry of the Islamic civilisation, its multiplicity and secrecy in a special Ceramic Exhibition opening July 11 at 10am in Katara's Building 3. With his long experience in porcelain, handcraft work and calligraphy, Alsamaraua focuses on the modernisation of the Islamic traditional shapes. Numismatist Hassan Al Naimi, possessing one of the world's largest collections of currencies, will be displaying his exhibits from all over the globe as well as from Islamic countries at Building 3 from 10 am to 12am. Artist Sabah Arbili will in 'Million Dots' showcase artwork inspired by the number of dots in the Holy Qu'ran. The artist will ask visitors to intervene on a seven-meter long canvas by placing dots along with him to create a public artwork throughout Ramadan. Calligraphy Books Exhibition, put up in collaboration with local libraries and book sellers in Doha, will display audit and children's literature on all subjects related to Arabic calligraphy. "Special discount vouchers will be distributed to visitors," Katara said. Collector Ibrhaim Fakhroo's exhibition 'Arabic Calligraphy and Qu'ran, a Shared Journey' will open July 11, 10 am onwards in Building 22. This exhibition outlines the history of Arabic Calligraphy through his personal view point. Fakhroo has researched his collection for proof and examples on how the development and improvement of Arabic Calligraphy are intrinsically connected with the publishing and diffusion of Qu'ran, throughout history. An Arabic calligraphy workshop for children will open July 11, 8pm onwards at Katara Art Studios, Building 19. Another Arabic calligraphy show will open from July 9. This year the theme is 'A touch of light illuminating the village of authenticity'. The 'History of Publications and Printing in Qatar' that will showcase, among other exhibits, the first letter printed in the local newspapers, opens July 11 in Building 3. The '99 Names of Allah', also opening July 11 in Building 19, will feature Tunisian Graffiti artist Vincent Abadie Hafez's 99 silk screen paintings representing the 99 names of Allah and eight large scale painting. He will also produce a public art graffiti wall over five meters long. Hafez's work blends into Katara's mission of building bridges between cultures, as it is an excellent embodiment of Katara's mission to bring together to a common ground via art and culture, Katara said. (END)