(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera / The Peninsula
T'hrough his iconic artwork 'Tamim Al Majd', Qatar's artist of the hour Ahmed Almaadheed has proved the inherent power of art to effect positive change in society.
A single image of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the Arabic phrase which translates 'Tamim is glory' that Almaadheed posted on social media following the start of the siege has been shared thousands of times inspiring people from all walks of life to show their support to the country.
While many used the image for their social media profiles, others went to great lengths to show their support printing posters on cars, T-shirts, enormous posters plastered on buildings and murals where people signify their support to Qatar. And recently the country's two telecom companies changed their network names to 'Tamim Al Majd' as another gesture of support making Almaadheed's work even more popular.
Almaadheed's 2009 artwork has gone a long way creating huge impact in Qatar and abroad, something that the artist never dreamed of.
'It's the least that I can do to my country. I just translated my feelings through this artwork and I'm happy that people loved it, Almaadheed told The Peninsula.
But on how a simple gesture of support to his country using his talent has turned out, he is convinced on the power of art to unify people during challenging times.
'Definitely art can unify people. We have seen all people who live in Qatar-from Qataris, Indians and Filipinos to Canadians, Lebanese and Egyptians and all nationalities- show their support through the artwork, he said.
'Art is an international language. A symbol that is created through art translates to thousands of words transcending cultural borders. People can articulate what they think and how they feel through art, he explained.
Almaadheed is grateful on the status of art in the country with all the support from the art community and the Qatari leadership. 'The society here is open to art and people have a taste for art. They understand its importance and the country supports art as well as which is evident everywhere, he said.
The original 'Tamim Al Majd portrait has generated a lot of interest from art collectors who wish to own it. 'There are people who want to buy it but it is not for sale, the artist said. The original 120cm by 120cm monochromatic image is currently on display at his solo exhibition 'Tamim the Glorious on show at the Art 29 art space at W Doha Hotel and Residences until September 10. 'The exhibition shows Qatar through my art. It highlights the original Tamim Almajd image. The 35 artworks are all about Qatari culture depicted through contemporary style, he said.
Although the exhibition showcases prominent Qatari personalities as well as Qatari symbols, the artist also focuses on a wide range of subjects and media.
'Art is God's gift. It is my profession. Since I established my company, I have done animation, direction for TV series and movies in 3D and 2D and a lot of branding and media campaigns in Qatar, he said, adding he currently has a number of projects though he declined to reveal details.
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