Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
The Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition (S’hail 2024) has once again emerged as a dynamic hub, drawing in artists from across the region to present works inspired by Qatar’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscape.
The exhibition, renowned for its celebration of falconry, hunting and desert life, has also become an artistic platform where more than 10 talented artists converge to showcase their unique interpretations of Qatar’s environment, the desert and its timeless connection with falcons.
The event, being held at the Katara Cultural Village, has seen diverse artists contributing their creative visions, yet three names have particularly captivated visitors with their remarkable pieces - Sheikha Al Kuwari, Hanifah Abdulqader and Saeeda Habeeb. Each artist brings a distinct style, reflecting the vastness of Qatar’s landscape, the elegance of its wildlife and the enduring legacy of falconry.
Sheikha Al Kuwari: Blending
Realism with Abstraction
Sheikha Al Kuwari, a well-known figure in Qatar’s art scene, presents a series of works that captures the raw beauty and power of falcons in flight. Her pieces stand out for their bold textures and innovative use of three-dimensional techniques.
Kuwari’s approach is not merely about depicting a scene but about bringing it to life, as if the viewer is immersed in the environment she portrays. Her works are a fusion of realism and abstraction, where the familiar silhouettes of falcons and desert landscapes are intertwined with artistic elements that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination.
In her pieces, Kuwari uses earthy tones that reflect the colour palette of Qatar’s desert — warm browns, soft gold and muted reds. Yet, within this naturalistic setting, she adds bold, almost surreal, highlights that give her paintings an otherworldly feel.
The falcons she portrays seem to glide effortlessly above the dunes, their wings caught mid-flight, as though frozen in time. The three-dimensional aspect of her work adds depth and movement, making it appear as if the birds might swoop down at any moment, embodying the grace and precision for which they are known.
Kuwari’s art captures the essence of Qatar’s deep connection with falconry, a tradition that dates back centuries. Her pieces reflect the reverence for these birds, not just as hunters but as symbols of power, freedom and cultural identity.
Hanifah Abdulqader: Mastering
Light and Shadow in the Desert
Hanifah Abdulqader’s works are a study in subtlety and detail. Known for her skillful depiction of desert landscapes, Abdulqader’s contribution to S’hail 2024 showcases the quiet beauty of Qatar’s expansive wilderness.
Her paintings are a testament to her ability to capture the delicate interplay of light and shadow on the desert dunes, bringing to life a landscape that, at first glance, might seem barren but is, in fact, teeming with detail and texture.
Abdulqader’s colour palette is soft and muted, dominated by shades of beige, ochre, and dusty rose that mirror the natural hues of the Qatari desert. Her brushstrokes are meticulous, creating a sense of depth and vastness in her landscapes. Each dune appears to ripple under the weight of the wind and the shifting sands seem almost tangible.
What makes Abdulqader’s work truly stand out is her attention to the smallest details. While her overall compositions are grand and expansive, it is in the minutiae that her talent truly shines.
The falcons she includes in her scenes are rendered with incredible precision, from the fine feathers that cover their wings to the sharpness of their talons.
Abdulqader’s paintings evoke a sense of calm and contemplation. Through her art, the viewer is invited to slow down and appreciate the simple yet profound beauty of the desert — a place where time seems to standstill and nature reigns supreme.
Saeeda Habeeb: Energy
and Emotion in Falconry
Saeeda Habeeb’s work brings a vibrant and energetic perspective to S’hail 2024. Her paintings are characterised by their bold use of colour and expressive brushwork, which together create a sense of movement and dynamism.
Habeeb’s pieces focus on the relationship between falcons and their handlers, capturing the trust, respect and deep connection that define the ancient art of falconry.
In her vibrant compositions, falcons are depicted mid-flight, their wings stretched wide as they soar above the desert, or perched confidently on the gloved hands of their handlers.
The bold strokes of her brush give a sense of speed and agility, emphasising the sheer power and precision of these majestic birds. The colours in her work are striking, bright yellows, deep reds and rich blues, which contrast sharply with the neutral tones of the desert, creating a visual feast that draws the viewer in.
Habeeb’s art is as much about emotion as it is about form. She captures the intensity of the bond between falcon and handler, a relationship that is built on mutual respect and understanding.
The falcon’s sharp gaze, the tension in its body and the firm yet gentle hold of the handler’s hand all convey a sense of shared purpose.
While her approach is more energetic and less restrained than that of her peers, Habeeb’s work resonates with viewers on an emotional level. Her paintings are alive with colour and movement, but they also tell a story — a story of tradition, skill and the enduring relationship between man and bird.
