Painting with cooking oil: Renowned Qatar artist recalls early challenges

A new art exhibition depicting the iconic Arabian horse, as seen through the eyes of two of the region’s most acclaimed female artists, has opened at the Souq Waqif Art Center.

The installation – titled Asalat Khail, or Thoroughbred – features veteran Qatari artist Jameela Al Shraim and renowned Palestinian painter Rima Al Mozayyen.

In total, 34 paintings are showcased in two of the center’s galleries, focusing on horses as both a reflection of local society and as representations of peace and progress.

Al Shraim, an art graduate from Qatar University, is best known for her sculptures and paintings illustrating the country’s long-standing equine culture. After finishing school in 1988, she taught art for 22 years and became well known both in Qatar and abroad, showcasing her work at numerous international and regional exhibitions.

Speaking to Doha News, Al Shraim said that the installation – which was originally part of a 2014 exhibition at the Porta Coeli International Art Gallery in Italy – was based on her fondness for horses, which began as a child.

“I love watching the horses at Shaqab and when I paint, I paint emotions and feelings as horses. I see horses as people, and (project) these emotions and issues onto them, and onto my paintings,” she said.

Original article by Chantelle D’Mello

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Painting with cooking oil: Renowned Qatar artist recalls early challenges