• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014 • [email protected] • www.thepeninsulaqatar.com • 4455 7741 inside COMMUNITY • GES joins QAS The evolution to promote health and wellness of Tom Hanks P | 4 P | 7 ARCHAEOLOGY • Byblos City: A centre for papyri trade Along with the meteoric changes Qatar P | 6 has witnessed in recent years, women artists like Jamela Al Shraim have seen a huge leap in their stature thanks to their FOOD perseverance and hard work. • Slow Food sows message in Africa P | 7 HEALTH • Spiderbands add bungee bounce to fitness workouts P | 11 TECHNOLOGY • 20 fascinating facts for PlayStation’s 20th anniversary P | 12 LEARN ARABIC • Learn commonly used Arabic words A VOICE OF and their meanings WOMEN ARTISTS P | 13 2 PLUS | WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014 COVER STORY Hard work pays for Qatari artist PICS: KAMMUTTY VP By Mohammed Osman her own paint using local materials which Jamela Al Shraim with her artworks. and Raynald C Rivera risked her health and with the advice of her doctor had to give up painting for 10 eing a woman and an artist could years. But the most difficult part, she said, be a challenge in this part of the was the pressure from the society and world but she defied the odds her family who at first were against her Bthrough persistence and hard passion as the society was not that open work paving the way for other Qatari for women artists then. women artists to pursue their passion Al Shraim was one of the 10 pioneering for art. Qatari women artists who joined the Jamela Al Shraim was dubbed a fighter Society and accredited by the National who surmounted social pressures and Council for the Arts but because of the cultural barriers in following her passion many challenges they had to face only at the recently concluded ‘Women in Art three of them have remained into arts. 2014’ festival in Bari, Italy where she was During art exhibitions, for instance, guest of honour. they participate only with their artworks But it had been a long journey before and were not allowed to have their she attained the success she is enjoying photos taken or meet other artists and right now. Her interest for art was other people to assess their work and get awakened at age 12 but it was just a hobby feedback because that was the culture, until she learned art under the tutelage of she said. famous Egyptian and Iraqi artists. It was only in 2008 when she was “I took up education and devoted 20 able to attend an exhibition and marked years in teaching fine arts,” she recalled, a milestone in her career as an artist adding even before entering university because “it was a new beginning for she became a member of Qatar Fine Arts me as I managed to introduce myself society and participated in its very first to the world using the social media, in exhibition in 1985. which foreigners came to know of my Materials were scarce at the time when works. They began inviting me to attend she started painting so she had to create international events.” PLUS | WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014 3 Al Shraim working in her studio. “Participation in expos whether local or international is very useful for any artist because it gives them a chance to see others’ works, meet other artists, exchange experiences and see how they are addressing issues and what kind of difficulties they are facing in their countries.” When she showcased her work in Santa Teresa church in Bari, jour- nalists asked her why she is display- ing her works in a church being a Muslim from a conservative society. “My religion, my government and my culture do not object in showcas- ing my artworks in a church in any country. My aim is to represent my country and culture and introduce my opinion,” she replied, adding Bari festival added many things to her as an artist and “I am also happy to represent my country.” Those who saw her paintings in Bari were fascinated the way she was using the Qatari flag, Arabian horse and colours to express issues and address patriotism, one of the with the wider world. The only thing has produced over 200 paintings and the society was closed and conserva- common subjects in her paintings. they have to do is to develop their seven sculptures and planning to cre- tive and we had no access for any “I use the flag, Arabian horse and determination.” ate more along with mixed media chance to develop our skills but today the history of my people in a differ- Young artists, she said, should not artworks. She has already featured we are representing our country ent way to express the history and stop studying and improving their in over 25 expos in Qatar and other abroad, thanks to the support of the heritage of Qatar as well as reflect work. She, herself is taking a course countries. government.” the ideals of Sheikh Jassim bin under Iraqi artist Hamid Al Saadi In January Al Shraim will fea- With regard to her goal as an art- Mohammed Al Thani, the founder on calligraphy. ture in an exhibition along with ist she said: “My ultimate aim is to of Qatar.” She is also passing on her knowl- Palestinian artist Reema Al Mizyan be an ambassador for fine art, repre- At the end of Bari Festival she met edge and skills to the young gen- in the Italian city of Tricarico and in sent Qatari culture and identity and the governor of the Italian district eration, in fact she is conducting October will have a solo expo in Italy. introduce it to the world. This is my Basilicata and signed a protocol as training workshop for children on In May she will have another expo in dream and it started to be realized ambassador of culture and coordina- the occasion of the National Day Souq Waqif art Centre. in 2012 when I began representing tor of fine arts activities in Qatar. at Souq Waqif Art Center starting Along with the meteoric wave Qatari women artists.” “Earlier our family and the society December 13. of change Qatar has witnessed in The pioneering Qatari women were discouraging women to venture Catered for children ages eight recent years, Qatari women artists’ artists, she believes, should also be into art but the government was sup- to 12 years, the workshop titled stature has seen huge leap which she represented in the Arab Museum of porting and was giving us incentives, “Invaluable Nation” will focus on the is satisfied of. Modern Art. facilities and materials. Today the words of Sheikh Jassim and how this “Qatari women today hold every “They should be honoured by situation of the new generation of can be expressed in art. She is also position in various sectors in the showing their artworks because they women artists is totally different unveiling new works for National country and this was realized are women who laid the foundation because they have more facilities, Day. because of government support, for women artists here challenging openness of the society, government With more than three decades of education, and awareness and open- culture, society and traditions.” support and easy communication experience under her belt, Al Shraim ness of the society. When I started, The Peninsula 4 PLUS | WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014 CAMPUS Doha College golf lessons sponsored by Megarme oha College and Megarme have partnerships to be established recently signed a one year sponsorship so we are very pleased to be involved Ddeal to offer Doha College stu- with Doha College. Almost every sport dents golf lessons at Doha Golf Club as or ECA programme can add value to part of the College’s extra-curricular a child’s education building a positive activities programme. social interaction and we are delighted Under this sponsorship Megarme to offer support wherever we can. Golf Qatar are funding golf lessons for the is a game that brings people together at students, transport to the Golf Club all ages and skill levels so it’s important and the golf polo t-shirts worn by the to make sure all levels are involved and students. just have fun.” Twenty secondary school students Director of Doha Golf Academy, Doha College students in the Megarme sponsored golf polo shirts with Megarme’s from Years 7-11, aged between 11-16, Andy McCormick stated: “From the General Manager Alex Lee, Doha Golf Academy’s Director Andy McCormick, Doha signed up for the golf extra-curricular golf academy’s point of view we’ve been College’s David Hobday and the golf coaches. activity, and are learning to play golf working closely with Doha College for in order to compete in competitions. the last three years and every year we develops them into young adults and It’s great to have businesses such as Alex Lee, Megarme’s General discuss how to develop and improve well-rounded individuals.” Megarme on board willing to support Manager, approached Doha College what we offer the students. What David Hobday, Head of Economics us to help the students improve their to sponsor this initiative. He stated: Megarme is offering is essentially the and Business Studies at Doha College, golf skills. We’ve already got a strong “Megarme are the leading Rope Access fuel for these children to be able to and the member of staff responsible for relationship with St Christopher’s service provider in the Middle East participate in golf and we can work the Golf extra-curricular programme School in Bahrain so we’re looking in particular Qatar and we are keen together for the good of the children.

Load more

  15

Copy Link