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Ailyn Agonia
DOHA
TWELVE equally-talented local and international female artists shared their views on feminism and concerns of women today through their artworks on display at the exhibition titled 'Feminism is a Voice', which opened at ART 29 of W Doha Hotel & Residences on Saturday.
The opening was graced by Italian Ambassador to Qatar HE Pasquale Salzano, Netherlands Ambassador HE Bahia Tahzib-Lie and Ambassador of Austria HE Willy Kempel. Also present was W Doha Hotel General Manager Wassim Daaje and other guests.
More than 40 art pieces ranging from photographs, canvas paintings and calligraphy are part of the collection curated by Qatari artist Fahad al Obaidly. The exhibition offers a multi-voiced interpretation of feminism through contemporary art. It tackles concepts around feminism with works that embrace women empowerment, with literal and metaphorical visualisations.
Among the featured works are by Qatari artist Abeer al Kuwari who captures through her lens powerful emotions of women, their convictions as well as their dilemmas and inner conflicts that they often go through in life.
"My photograph titled 'Follow Your Heart' shows how a woman pursues her heart's desires no matter the circumstances. The other photo titled 'Follow Your Dreams' is a woman wearing a traditional wedding dress while balancing books on her head, which represents her dilemma over whether to get married or continue with her studies. The third photograph titled 'Stand Proud' is about a woman caught between heritage and the winds of change," Kuwari said about her works.
Kuwari was the first female member of the Qatar Photography Society. She later ventured into drawings and doing sculptures through the Doha Fire Station residency programme. She defines feminism as about sharing life and something that comes naturally to women as they assume the role of mothers, daughters and sisters, among others.
Another featured Qatari artist Sumaia al Kilani sends out a strong message about leadership through her painting titled 'Knowledge is Power'. She said,"My work depicts that leadership has nothing to do with gender. What makes a good leader is the depth of one's knowledge, values and accomplishments."
Commenting on the theme of the exhibition, Sumaia said everyone can be a feminist and stressed that a woman should not be comparing herself with a man because each assume different roles in the society.
Self-taught Qatari practitioner Aisha al Malki said:"My pieces are inspired by the many successful women in my life including my mother - their memories and stories. I hope that my work will produce powerful bonds among viewers that visit the exhibition. It is definitely a place to share stories and connect with others."
Other featured artists whose works have been displayed at the exhibition include Qatari nationals Fatma Mohammed, Sheikha al Hardan, Maryam al Homaid, Shouq al Mana, Sara al Buainain and Shuaa al Muftah as well as Maysa Elmuman from Kuwait, Hadeer Omar from Yemen and Shaima al Tamimi from Egypt. The exhibition is open for public viewing until November 20 from 10am to 10pm daily.
