The Department of Fine Arts in the College of Education at Qatar University (QU) organized a charitable art exhibition titled “Gaza: A Pulse of My Colors” in collaboration with the Culture and Arts Chapter of the QU Alumni Association. His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the President of the QU Alumni Association inaugurated the exhibition.
This remarkable art exhibition, “Gaza: A Pulse of My Colors,” took place at the College of Education at QU and showcased the artistic talents of students from the Department of Fine Arts, along with several distinguished alumni artists. Members of QU faculty, staff, and students, showing a strong community commitment to the cause, attended the event.
The exhibition featured a wide array of artworks, including paintings and handcrafted items created by the students of the Fine Arts Department. In collaboration with the Qatar Charity, these artworks were available for purchase, and all proceeds were dedicated to the relief efforts for our brethren in Gaza, Palestine. Additionally, a notable feature of the exhibition was the unveiling of a Palestine-themed artwork where all visitors had the opportunity to sign, symbolizing their support for the Palestinian cause. Furthermore, there were live artistic demonstrations, including face and hand painting, among other engaging activities.
Dr. Latifa Al-Meghaissib, Head of the Department of Art Education at the College of Education, shared her thoughts about the exhibition, stating, “Art is a reflection of society, and among the current events in the world, the war on Gaza has left a profound impact with martyrs, injuries, bombings, destruction, and a long-lasting blockade that has deeply affected human sentiments. Particularly, artists, who employ their brushes as expressive means, are deeply moved by these events. The charitable art exhibition, Gaza: A Pulse of My Colors,' organized in collaboration with the Culture and Arts Chapter of the QU Alumni Association, aims to allow Art Education students to express their feelings about ongoing events such as the war, the blockade, and the destruction in Gaza through their artistic works. These artworks are displayed in the exhibition and are also available for sale. The profits will be channeled through Qatar Charity to support the victims of the Gaza conflict.”
Ms. Amna Abdulkarim, Vice President of the Culture and Arts Chapter at the QU Alumni Association, emphasized the importance of art in addressing pressing issues. She stated, “The Culture and Arts Chapter is hosting the charitable art exhibition "Gaza: A Pulse of My Colors" in collaboration with the College of Education as a humanitarian response to the escalating events in the wounded Gaza Strip. Culture and arts cannot be isolated from the reality surrounding them. Just as words can convey messages and meanings, so can art be a language that speaks for our significant causes, especially those that touch the depth of our identity, beliefs, and humanity. Art can be a bridge when other means fail, and it can serve as a witness to what happens when places lose their landmarks and we lose a part of ourselves with them. The warm colors in a painting can symbolize the impact and say that there was once a safe home, a warm house, a family, and a tree in this place. Through these vivid colors, we want to etch our homelands in our consciousness, which has witnessed dark cowardly hands, and through art, we want to tell decay and futility that they are still present within us, closer to reality than dreams. In the Culture and Arts Chapter, we believe that art can only be truly effective when it serves humanitarian causes. Therefore, we had to stand up for our nation's issues first, support them with what we could, and use art to build a bridge to the distant yet close Palestine in light of the challenging political, humanitarian, and security developments. This charitable art exhibition will donate all proceeds from the displayed artworks to our people in Gaza.”
The "Gaza: A Pulse of My Colors” Charity Art Exhibition stands as a shining example of how art can transcend boundaries and make a meaningful impact. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Gaza. This exhibition showcases the unity and support within the community of the QU and underscores the commitment to humanitarian causes.