facebooktwittertelegramwhatsapp
copy short urlprintemail
+ A
A -
webmaster
Catherine Gichuki
Doha
An exclusive piece of painting showcasing how Qatar has been thriving despite the blockade was displayed at Katara building 19, recently.
The painting by Qatar-based Ethiopian artiste Tessema Asrate was showcased at ‘The Colours of Dessert’ exhibition organised by MAP International. The exhibition, which concluded on August 1 and ran for two weeks, featured 51 artistes with 102 works.
Talking to Qatar Tribune, Asrate said he tried to come
up with a wonderful piece while maintaining the theme of the exhibition.
Bearing in mind that he has been in Qatar for the past 10 years, Asrate feels the colours of the desert and relates to Qatar which has become his second home.
This was the only painting by Asrate that was featured at the expo. It featured the map of Qatar with a cave and tunnel. Through the painting, Asrate has tried to depict how Qatar has been thriving despite the blockade imposed on it by some neighbouring countries over two years ago. The painting, which has been done with canvas on acrylic, shows a flag swaying peacefully and an aircraft flying on top of Qatar.
The painting also depicts the developments as Qatar prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2022. “The preparations for the World Cup in Qatar have not been limited by the blockade,” he said.
Through the aircraft in his painting, Asrate wanted to showcase how Qatar is connecting to different countries.
“Also, beautiful buildings rise from the desert. I followed the title of the exhibition.”
Asrate has participated in several exhibitions in Qatar but this was the second he participated in this exhibition.
Talking about this opportunity to be able to showcase his work, Asrate said, “It is a great privilege for me to express my inner feelings because I consider Qatar as my second home.”
“We have received positive feedback from the audience and participants who visited the exhibition.”
It took him more than two months to complete the painting because different ideas come and he continued to build on them. “When the ideas come, I arrange the composition.”
Talking about his inspiration for painting, he said, “The love for painting started during my childhood at kindergarten when we were taught about different elements, for instance, letter ‘A’ for apple, so I kept on drawing the figure besides developing my reading skills.”
Also, as would go on with his daily chores, for instance collecting firewood, he would draw on the ground. “I used materials that were available in our locality. In Africa, we are blessed with nature.”
Later, he joined Ethiopia University of Fine Arts where he fine-tuned his painting skills.
However, in Qatar, Asrate works in the aviation industry.
He is planning to open a gallery in Al Wakrah where his works will be showcased. “It’s going to open soon,” he said.
copy short url   Copy
06/08/2019
3135