Souq Waqif Art Center
Souq Waqif Art Center (SWAC) was established in Aug 2013, with the motive to promote the national cultural values of Qatar, Middle Eastern traditions, and Islamic customs in the country. The center polishes the skills of young & semi-skilled national & foreign artists in various art fields by conducting training courses, and workshops and introducing new techniques applied in different regions of the world.
Prime Goals of Art Center
You can well understand from the intro that the prime objective of the art center is to recall and strengthen the national & Islamic values in the society. The center categorically encourages the youth to upscale their artistic skills and broaden their vision by making them highly skillful so that they make valuable additions to society by spreading cultural values through art.
Broadly speaking the SWAC focuses on the five major areas of the arts field.
- Conducting courses and technical workshops in different art disciplines.
- Arranging the exhibitions. Promote intellectual interactions, discussions, and sharing of thoughts among junior and senior artists within and outside the state of Qatar.
- Organize art exhibitions and showcase the artistic work of participants to encourage their efforts and award them.
- The students are the center of attention. They are offered summer courses and training to uplift their art skills and technical standards.
- The SWAC stands out as a platform for promoting Qatari heritage, society cultural values, lifestyle, and Islamic identity to the world.
Art Disciplines At Souq Waqif Art Center
At, SWAC people are made skillful in different art disciplines in a most friendly environment. The courses and training classes are designed in a manner that people love to play with their art passion and learn at the same time.
The art center is famous for conducting training in the following art fields.
- Sculpture
- Painting
- Arabic calligraphy
- Handicrafts
Sculpture Art
Sculpture artwork is one of the most primitive art in which objects are made three-dimensional (3D) using plastic or other materials like clay, stone, fabric, glass, wood, metals, rubber, plaster, etc.
A 3 dimensional (3D) object means it can be visually seen in Length, Width, and Height-wise angles or sides.
Interestingly the development of Sculpture visual art can be divided into three phases, namely:
- Traditional Sculpture Art uses wood, metal, clay, and even marble.
- Contemporary Sculpture Art uses plastic, fabric, glass, and even rubber.
- Modern Sculpture Art uses computers for producing 3D objects like 3D Printers.
During the process of developing an artwork, an object can be shaped using techniques like carved, molded, cast, and modeled. The other renowned methods through which an artwork is designed are sewn, wrought, welding, assembling, or combining different elements or objects.
In many old civilizations like Egyptian, solid gold was used for making sculptures of emperors, conquerors, and females. The artist first melts the gold and then pours it into a mold to get the designed object or shape.
Nowadays, it is still practiced and renowned sports trophies, awards, and high-priced ornaments are prepared with precious metals like gold. Gold is an expensive material and designing sculpture requires rational costing and a good understanding of everyday gold prices and market trends.
At Souq Waqif Art Center, the emphasis is on traditional sculpture and contemporary sculpture art techniques, courses, and workshops.
Painting
Painting is the art of applying paint on a particular surface, object, or canvas. Painting means applying colors to an object through a paintbrush, spray paint, sponges, or pencil. When you paint, you create a painting. A painting is an expression of emotions, ideas, and scenes on a two-dimensional surface. The main elements of painting are colors, tones (brightness, bold, light), lines, shapes, and textures.
The Waqif art center in Doha encourages participants to learn and apply the art of painting to demonstrate the history of Qatar, day-to-day life events, culture, food, and Islamic perspectives to the global community.
Arabic Calligraphy
Calligraphy is the art of writing. In this visual art, the letters are written and presented using a pen, brush, or ink pen to depict the ideas in a most meaningful manner.
Arabic Calligraphy means the art of writing Arabic letters most stylishly and impressively. The Arabic letters comprise twenty-eight letters written from left to right direction. It is the representation of Arabic and Islamic art.
The Arabic Calligraphy comprises of five different styles, namely:
- Kufic: It is the oldest style. The calligraphy is in straight lines and shapes. It is used on renowned buildings.
- Naskh: It has a rounded flowing style. It is used in books.
- Thuluth: It is written in an elongated manner. It is used in religious content.
- Diwani: It is a fancy & delegated style of writing. It is found on official papers.
- Ruq’ah: It is used in normal writing. It is simple & easy Arabic writing.
In the art center, all 5 types of Arabic Calligraphy styles are taught to young artists and workshop participants. They are made familiar with different handwriting techniques. The short-length and long-period courses are conducted to upscale the Calligraphic skills of the students.
Handicrafts
Handicraft is the art of making things by hand or using a simple hand tool like scissors or hooks. The materials used for making handicrafts are natural, recycled, scraped, or factory-processed items. Some common things people use for making handicrafts are clay, paper, glass, plant fibers, textiles, plastic, etc. The finished products of handicrafts are sold locally and can be a decoration, toy, daily use tool, or helpful accessory and home use items.
Handicraft art is also called artisanal handicraft, handmade, handcrafting, or arts and crafts. This art requires patience, art skills, and an artistic mind. Handmade art represents the culture of a region and the religious association of the community.
At the art center in Doha, the workshops are conducted to make the participants skillful in cross-stitch methods, paper material art, glass painting techniques, and cold ceramic artwork.
Pottery
Pottery is the art of making objects or forming vessels by hand using clay or ceramic and applied heat to harden the final product. The finished product can be used as a decoration item. It can be vases, jugs, glasses, pots, etc.
At, Art Center Doha Qatar, the people are trained in techniques to form art murals and pottery decorative items.
Contact Details of Art Center
The art center in Doha Qatar can be reached for participation in workshops or getting answers to queries on the following contact details.
Mailing Address: Souq Waqif Art Center, Doha, Qatar
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel No.: 974 4417 6204
Timings:
8 a.m to 2 p.m
4 p.m to 10 p.m
(Friday: 4 p.m to 9 p.m)
Conclusion
Hence, with the vision to promote national and Islamic values, the Souq Waqif Art Center organizes different national holiday exhibitions, Ramadan events, Eid festivals, cultural fairs, conducts courses in different art disciplines, scrap art exhibitions, showcases artwork events to encourage young artistes. The SWAC also participates in social events sponsored by other organizations and charitable institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name the exhibitions conducted at Art Center Doha?
Some of the prominent exhibitions arranged at art center Doha are:
- Souq Waqif Art Center Members Ceremony
- Students workshops results exhibition
- Workshop on Qatar National Day
- Eid Al Fitr Event
- Eid Al Fitr Event (Murals paintings)
- Scrap Art Exhibition Qatar
What is objective of opening Art Center at Qatar?
The prime reason for the Art Center is to enlighten the culture of Qatar, middle eastern customs and Islamic values to the worldwide community.
Can you list the art disciplines taught at the Art Center Qatar?
The youth and participants are offered different art courses and workshops in the art disciplines like pottery, handicraft, Arabia calligraphy, painting, and sculpture artwork.
What is the location of Souq Waqif Art Center?
The art center is situated a few minutes’ walk from Souq Waqif (market) Doha, Qatar.
