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Dipti Nair
Doha
ArtFix Gallery recently celebrated the first anniversary of Carr'e8 d'artistes Doha on its premises at the Gate Mall with a showing of some of the artworks and live painting sessions by some of their prominent artists. The event was inaugurated by the Ambassador of France to Qatar HE Eric Chevallier.
The first-of-its-kind concept in Qatar, ArtFix has brought together a blend of both international and local artists to present modern, unique and exotic works to patrons. The 1st anniversary exhibit includes works of 13 contemporary artists, including award-winning French artists Dominique Gaultier and Christian H`vin, and Qatari artist Ali al Mulla.
H`vin, who uses oil paint that he makes himself, along with epoxy or polyester resin, pigments and acrylics, has been available at the gallery for signings the whole week leading up to the anniversary. Ali al Mulla, a member of the Qatar Fine Arts Society, finds method in the multi-hued madness and uses impressive palette knife acrylic painting techniques. He also did a live painting demonstration at the event that fascinated the art lovers.
ArtFix Gallery was launched by Martha Blanco to support budding artists from the region and around the world.
"The first year has been quite an experience, especially for a new market like Qatar," she said."We have seen very positive results at the end of the year. More and more people have shown an interest for art and artists, especially the younger generation. It delights me to see that every day we have new clients who have more interest in the techniques of different artists."
The aim of the galley is to support and inspire local art and artists and encourage their passion and commitment to the artistic process.
"Right now, we have one Qatari artist and we are in conversations to have more artists on board. Carr'e8 d'artistes has very strict criteria for selection and for every 200 artists who apply, only two-three get selected, all over the world. So, hopefully, we will get the approval for these Qatari artists soon. I believe, by the beginning of 2017, we will have new local talent joining us."
"Our plan for the upcoming year is to get a better mix of artists. As you have seen now, 70 percent of the art is from Europe, mainly France. We would love to change that to at least 50 percent by the end of next year."
At the event, ArtFix also announced the opening of their first gallery in Dubai, by the end of the year.
