Well-known Qatari artist Yousef Ahmed will display sculptures in the new medium of steel at Turkey’s ‘Sculptures in Steel’ exhibition, to be held in Istanbul starting from April 5, 2008.
He is the only artist from the GCC to be invited to participate in the exhibition, which will include 14 well-known artists from Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. All have been invited to display their work in steel, showing art lovers what can be done with this resistant, solid material when the artist’s emotions and concepts transform it into magnificent art pieces.
Ahmed expressed delight at being selected as a leading artist in the GCC and the region’s representative at the exhibition.
“I am thrilled to be working with steel as this is a new experience for me, to use it to give expression in three dimensions. It is a challenge but I will fight with steel and tame it, to express my feelings and emotions through it.
“The event in Istanbul is a very important one because it gives 14 artists from around the world the opportunity to communicate, unite and lead people through roads of peace and understanding. There is a common language between artists, regardless of which region they come from.”
Ahmed is well- known in his native Qatar and many other countries in the region, as well as internationally. He has displayed his artwork at many events and exhibitions in the Arab world and elsewhere, most recently in ‘Art Dubai 2008’ which was held last month (March) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He has received a number of awards including the top award for GCC artists (four times) and the top award in a leading Asian exhibition. His work has been auctioned by the world-renowned Christie’s International Auction Gallery in Dubai, where his paintings fetched more than double their original prices, giving his reputation as an artist a boost on the international level.
Each of the artists participating in Turkey’s ‘Sculptures in Steel’ has chosen sculpture as primary visual language. They will offer their own unique and individual perspective through the use of steel as a medium of creative expression.
“The pieces I’ll be displaying in Istanbul revolve around the Arabic letter, derived from its deep visual message and high artistic power which allow it to be used in many different artistic ways and forms,” Ahmed said.
“I was very anxious to start working on these pieces, and I am very thankful to Qatar Steel for giving me the chance to work at one of their plants. I hope my artwork will attract the attention of art lovers, and I hope to repeat this experience and participate in, or even organize, similar exhibitions dedicated to steel sculpture.”
