THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Doha Festival City will hold this year’s Qatar National Day festiv-ities from December 14 to 18, between 2 pm and 10 pm, with a range of family-friendly activities.

To mark this special occasion, messages of gratitude will be placed throughout the mall. At the same time, shoppers will get the oppor-tunity to participate in a series of unique festivities and enjoy the cel-ebratory atmosphere.

A giant declaration of love for Qatar will be displayed at the Atrium Node on the ground floor through a 3D ‘I Love Qatar’ inter-active display, available for guests to take pictures.

Visitors to the Mall are also invited to share their appreciation for Qatar by placing messages on the ‘Message Wall,’ installed at the Market Corridor on the ground floor. To provide a contactless and safe experience, Doha Festival City will invite Qatar residents to share their congratulatory messages and wishes on the mall’s website via QR code. The messages will then be printed and placed on the ‘Message Wall.’ The submissions

will be accepted until December 17.

Doha Festival City will also feature an augmented reality ‘Selfie Mirror’, placed at the Centre Court on the first floor from December 14 to 16. The installation is composed of a photo booth with a sensor placed on the screen. Guests who would like to take pic-tures can have their photo auto-matically taken with no touching involved and in line with the mall’s safety measures.

Participants will also be offered the opportunity to try on traditional Qatari attire for their photos and change the background virtually by waving with their hands from afar. Guests’ photos will be shared with them via email, and the best picture will win an iphone12 prize from the mall, to be announced on the mall’s Instagram page on December 18.

Doha Festival City will also dis-tribute miniature Qatari National Flags to all visitors – flags can be collected at the mall’s entrances and customer service desks on the ground floor throughout the whole five days of festivities.

The mall will be decorated with Qatar flags throughout the nodes,

along with hanging banners and special lighting; guests will also enjoy special décor lighting and 3D animated projections on the mall’s entrance façade and Oryx shape installations.

The stringiest safety protocols will be applied during the Qatar National Day festivities in Doha Fes-tival City. All customers will be required to show their green Ehteraz app at the mall entrance and activity areas and wear masks during their visit, except while sitting and dining.

For dining, visitors will be allowed to sit in groups of no more than five persons, except for fam-ilies, at designated seating areas as per MoPH guidelines. All staff and event organizers will be wearing masks and gloves. Sani-tization of all activation areas will be completed after each use, and no more than 100 people will be allowed in the areas at a time.

Parents or guardians must always accompany children.

Doha Festival City opening hours are Saturday to Wednesday from 10 am to 10 pm, and Thursday to Friday from 10 am to 11 pm. Children of all ages are now allowed to enter the mall.

AYENI OLUSEGUNTHE PENINSULA

Every year on November 18, the International Day of Islamic Art is observed as proclaimed during the 40th session of the Unesco General Conference in 2019. The obser-vation aims to raise awareness of Islam’s past and contemporary artistic expressions and the contri-bution of different cultures to civi-lization through Islamic art.

“Celebrating Islamic art annually is an invitation for people to know more about the heritage of this art and to encourage the cel-ebration of this occasion,” said Dr. Omar Al Ejli, a lecturer at Com-munity College of Qatar (CCQ).

Because it transcends several generations and geographic areas with varied national and religious identities, Islamic Art can be chal-lenging to define. Dr. Omar explained that Islamic Art “is an intellectual subject that deserves attention,” adding that there are widespread debates about some branches of Islamic Art among Muslim thinkers themselves as well as with orientalists and the inter-ested elites of Western writers.

In modern times, Islamic Art encompasses all art forms pro-duced in the lands where Islam was the dominant religion or the religion of those who ruled. It applies to all art forms produced in the Islamic world, including reli-gious arts and architecture.

According to Dr. Omar, Islamic art can be described as “the vision of Islam (from the aspect of beauty) to the existence of life and man with characteristics inspired and derived from Islam. In general, art means the practical philosophical vision of an individual or nation towards major comprehensive concepts or circumstantial detail in the realities of daily life.”

With the rise and fall of empires throughout history, Islamic Art’s influence is evident across the world’s major cities.

“In this context, artistic heritage is the authentic narration of history. Now, we have to go to museums that preserved the manifestations

of this beautiful art and its treasures and structures that have influenced modern urban construction.

“It will not be an exaggeration to say that the Two Holy Mosques summarize the distinctive Islamic architectural style. They also depict Islamic sculpture, drawing, and calligraphy,,” Dr. Omar explains.

Islamic Art’s influence is also evident in Andalusia’s mosques and palaces, such as the Mosque of Cordoba and the Al Hamra Palace. Islamic architecture is also visible in Africa and Asia, in Ibn Tulun

Mosque in Egypt, the Taj Mahal in India, and Istanbul’s mosques. Some of these structures are her-itage sites by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

In Qatar, Islamic Art is high-lighted at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). Considered one of the most important museums worldwide, it houses the complete Islamic artifacts, with items orig-inating in Spain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, India, and Central Asia. Its collection of Islamic Art

represents three continents and over one thousand four hundred years, including manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, and glass from the 7th to the 19th century.

Since its inauguration in 2008, MIA has hosted more than twenty special art exhibitions and holds regular seminars and lectures to educate people about Islamic Art.

Other notable Islamic Art museums worldwide include Muzium Kesenian Islam Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and the Burgos Museum in Spain. The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum in Istanbul contains collections and evidence that document Islamic art’s achievements.

“The Islamic arts has per-formed its duties by communi-cating the heritage of the nations that precedes modern times,” said Dr. Omar.

Studying Islamic Art can provide deeper insight into the history and the shaping of civili-zations. However, several

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Celebrating Islamic arts bridge heritage with present

LEFT: A file photo shows a painting of a ship displayed during the 8th Biennial Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art “The Seas and the Mobility of Islamic Art.”

Some artworks on display at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

Doha Festival City to organise National Day activities from today

Doha Festival City decorated with the Qatari flag ahead of Qatar National Day festivities.

IIS teacher

receives

International

Achievers Award

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Ideal Indian School (IIS) Physical Education teacher Karthik (pictured) was recently honoured with the International Achievers Award 2020 with the title “YUVA BHARATHI.”

The award was presented by the Patanjali College of Yoga and Research Center, Chennai, an affiliate of the International Yoga Federation. It is recognized by Yoga Alliance International, which includes 18 countries, including India, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Qatar, Mexico, and Argentina, etc.

Principal Syed Shoukath Ali congratulated Karthik for the prestigious recognition. Karthik thanked the Principal and the school management for their continuous support and cooperation.

He said he was proud to receive the award in recog-nition of his achievements and dedication in sports. He also thanked the jury for their con-sideration of the award.

challenges impede learning more about this art. Many scholars are unfamiliar with the Arabic lan-guage, despite it being one of the most spoken languages in the world. It is a tricky situation because most Islamic scripts are written in Arabic calligraphy. Another challenge is that art lovers, particularly Western enthusiasts, generally grav-itate towards paintings and sculptures akin to ren-aissance art.

“The Unesco adopting a World Day for Islamic Art is important. More awareness through exhibi-tions specialising in the heritage of Islamic art should be held. Also, Islamic art can benefit from relevant international cultural events, while seminars and lectures by specialists should be held to let people know about this art,” Dr. Omar notes.

He also added that Islamic arts should be listed within tourism programmes and events. Social media can also be leveraged to enlighten people, especially non-Muslims, about Islamic Art and its history. Universities should be encouraged to include “heritage of Islamic Art” as the subject of theses and research of postgraduate students.

In Qatar, Islamic Art is highlighted at the

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). Considered

one of the most important museums

worldwide, it houses the complete Islamic

artifacts, with items originating in Spain,

Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, India, and Central

Asia. Its collection of Islamic Art represents

three continents and over one thousand

four hundred years.

07MONDAY 14 DECEMBER 2020 DOHA TODAY

THROUGH THE LENS

VCUarts Qatar alumni, student bring 22M-wide public artwork to life THE PENINSULA - DOHA

Those driving through the Doha Festival City Interchange are in for a visual treat – a giant mural designed by Michael Perrone, Assistant Professor, Painting + Printmaking (PAPR), Virginia Commonwealth School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, and executed by alumni and a student from the campus.

The 22-metre-wide artwork was created as part of a public art project called “Jedariart”, a collaboration between Qatar Museums, The Supreme Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places, QRail, Woqod, and the Fire Station: Artist in Residence. The initiative invited artists from diverse backgrounds and talents to create murals and street art across desig-nated public spaces in Qatar, with the aim to make art more accessible to everyone.

Perrone’s design was brought to life by a VCUarts Qatar team comprising Salma Awad, a PAPR Class of 2020 alumna and the project manager, Teslim Sanni, Art History, Class of 2020 and Technical Spe-cialist for the project, Amna Al Muftah, PAPR Class of 2020, Alice Aslem, PAPR, Class of 2022, and Maha Nasr, an Interior Design, Class of 2020 alumna who was also the photographer and videographer for the project. The team was supported by Parthivan K, manlift operator, Ashghal, and a painter himself.

Perrone noted how the artwork was a direct result of him missing his family, friends and the wider community in Qatar.

“As a resident of Qatar since 2013, I found myself in a rather difficult situation,” he said. “The current pandemic, our ‘remote learning’ situation at VCUarts Qatar, and my medical condition that keeps me working remotely from Vermont, has caused me an unexpected professional and personal loss. I miss my ‘Qatar Family’ and I am always on the lookout for new ways to stay connected, while I am in this temporary, remote situation.

“Through the “Jedariart” project, I hoped to cure some of my longings for

Qatar, by working with my friends, stu-dents and other community members who have helped bring my design to life.”

Explaining the design’s concept further, Perrone added: “The composition of this artwork is based on a mural I did at my home in Vermont, USA. As it’s an old building from 1906, many of the walls are made of plaster, and over time the plaster has cracked.

“My wife and I repaired the cracks, and they became the start of the drawing. I started painting the repaired crack lines as a way to begin the painting. Then, I slowly refined the composition, straight-ening lines, removing some and adding others.

“There are lots of windows in our home – a former church building with Gothic shaped arches – so when the light comes through at a certain point of the day, it shines on that wall. Some of the lines were created by me tracing the shapes of light.

“The mural here in Vermont is in var-iations of grey and blue. Working with Sara Foryame Lawler and Dimitrije Buugarski from Qatar Museums, we thought the mural might work better in Doha if it had a brighter palette. So, I re-painted it dig-itally, making the painting more lively and celebratory, much like the lighting on many buildings throughout Doha.

“The main concept for the artwork was that, since I couldn’t be in Qatar right now, this was a way for me to bring a piece of my Vermont-self (the mural I created here), to my family/community in Doha, giving them to ‘see’ my life here, through the mural. And of course, having some of those people help create/paint the mural in Qatar, makes it that much better for me, as a way of connecting my two worlds.”

Perrone sent the digital version of the proposed mural, along with the color scheme to Awad and the rest of the team in Doha. Awad then had retail paint sup-pliers mix the exact shades for her.

“For most of us, the largest canvases we’ve painted on would have been around two meters in width, and we did those in indoor studios,” says Awad. “So, to paint a mural that measures approximately 22 metres in width, outdoors, in lovely weather, was an entirely different expe-rience altogether.

“One of the unforgettable moments, though, was when – during one of our breaks – Parthivan, the technician oper-ating the man-lift, asked us if he could paint a segment; the huge smile on his face when we handed him a paint roller rein-forced the fact that the beauty of public art lies in it being accessible to everyone.”

The 22-metre-wide artwork created as part of a public art project called “Jedariart.”

PISQ students achieve 93.83% pass percentageTHE PENINSULA - DOHA

Pakistan International School, Qatar (PISQ) has always been at the forefront in the field of education as it endeavors to polish the creative abilities and critical thinking skills of students. Even during the hard times of the ongoing pandemic, PISQ provided the students all the facilities and necessary online platforms in order to keep the academic activities going.

Students continued taking classes through online platforms, and the school successfully completed the first term of the aca-demic year 2020-21 by conducting exams on time and in accordance with the instructions issued by the Ministry of Edu-cation & Higher Education.

As per the results of ‘First End-of-Term’, in Primary Wing (Class 1 to 4), 1,005 students out of 1,058 appeared in the exam, of which 943 remained successful.

The total participation was 94.99% of which pass percentage amounted to 93.83%. Similarly, from class 5 to 8 in Senior Girls’ Wing, 490 students took the examination. The pass percentage came out to be a staggering 96%. Of this, 45% students scored ‘A1’ grade while 21% took ‘A’.

A total of 543 students from Class 5 to 8 appeared in the exam-ination from Boys’ Wing. The pass percentage is 90% out of which 32.4% students secured A1 grade and 20% students got ‘A’ grade.

The marvelous result shown by the students of PISQ has once again confirmed the progressive approach of the school and its continuous efforts to facilitate the students in the academic sector in all kinds of circumstances.

It outlines what the school has achieved especially during the difficult times of COVID-19. Parents also appreciated the efforts of the administration and teachers for providing quality education through distance learning programme amid the haunts of COVID-19 and making no compromise on merit and excellence.

PISQ students taking exam following COVID-19 measures.

Blyth Academy organises art exhibition of students’ worksTHE PENINSULA - DOHA

Blyth Academy - a Canadian School in Doha - has orgnaised students’ artwork exhibit following COVID-19 protocol. The opening ceremony was attended by prominent Qatari artist Mohammed Faraj Al Suwaidi.

Blyth Academy is operating since 2006 and offering the world renowned Canadian – Alberta curriculum. Stu-dents from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are engaged in hands-on experiential lessons and activities challenging them to be active learners.

“We are fortunate to have Alberta trained teachers, who are dedicated, highly-trained, and committed to pro-viding a quality education to each and every student,” said principal of Blyth Academy, Darlene Sullivan.

“Art is not limited to paintings and sculptures, the meaning of art has changed throughout times living in a digital era, I encourage my Art10/20/30 students to explore what art could be, rather than what is art,” said Mala Waseem, secondary art teacher at Blyth Academy, while speaking at the opening of her students’ artwork exhibition.

“As we all know, it is vastly dif-ferent learning time, students have adopted a blended learning model and

are working hard to give their best in these difficult times of COVID-19 pan-demic,” Waseem added.

While following Alberta curriculum guidelines Art 10/20/30 students have been busy exploring their artistic skills. Students are engaged in creating art by using a variety of medium. They are developing their artistic, technical, and critical skills as they explore visual expressions; they are also discovering various ways to share their thoughts and ideas with others.

Prominent Qatari artist Mohammed

Faraj Al Suwaidi graced his presence as a chief guest during the opening of the students’ artwork exhibit in Blyth’s art room. Following COVID-19 safety protocol with social distancing, the artist did a meet and greet with a limited number of students. Mohammed Faraj Al Suwaidi shared his artistic journey by showing his dis-tinguished digital artwork.

Followed by questions and answers, Mohammed Faraj inspired students to develop and boost their art knowledge. Mohammed Faraj received

a memento to remember his visit to Blyth Academy Art student’s Artwork exhibit by principal Darlene Sullivan.

Mohammed Faraj then handed out certificates of appreciation to students for their continuous hard work and dis-tinguished art pieces. Students of Art10/20/30 Naila Nacer, Mouadh Abbaosi, Yousef El Sabik, Hassan Ouda, Minahil Khurraam, Sara Raiq, Esraa Al Hassan, Oscar Metinez and Summer Scott received their certificates of appreciation from renowned Qatari artist Mohammed Faraj Al Suwaidi.

Mohammed Faraj said during his visit, “I would like to thank Mala Waseem, Senior Art Teacher at Blyth Academy for arranging the visit and allowing me to present my artworks to the students, It was a great pleasure seeing the students art works.”

“The students showcased great interest in the arts and their ambition to develop themselves was prominent and inspiring. I look forward to crossing paths with these students as they push their skills and ambitions to their full potential.”

Students share their artworks with Qatari artist Mohammed Faraj Al Suwaidi. RIGHT: Participating students with their artworks.

With every nook and cranny adorned with Qatari flag of different sizes, Souq Waqif, the country’s most popular traditional market, exudes a festive National Day spirit ahead of the December 18 celebration. Shops selling various kinds of National Day costumes, souvenirs, trinkets, and other patriotic-themed merchandise witness a steady stream of buyers preparing for the joyous occasion. PICS: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA

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