DOHA: Renowned artist Joanne Brooker will hold oil painting workshops on April 7, 9 and 14 at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Student Centre.
The sessions will explore ancient legends of Gulf mermaids, and their connection and importance to Qatar’s rich cultural history.
Students will also look at the importance of the sea with regard to Qatar’s cultural development.
Brooker will also teach them oil painting techniques, and assist them in completing their interpretive pieces of art reflective of the workshops’ mermaid theme.
“We anticipate the workshops will attract students from all branch campuses in Education City, whether they are beginners or practising artists.
“The art gallery at the centre is a central place on the campus for students to engage with exhibitions and programmes, and learn outside of the traditional, classroom model,” said Melissa Winter, Assistant Director of Campus Life at HBKU.
Legends of mermaids are deeply rooted within Qatar with written sources housed at Al Khor Museum. Students at HBKU’s partner university, University College London Qatar, are also undertaking research on these documented legends.
