By Raynald C Rivera
Items deemed useless and tossed aside are thoughtfully restored into something of great value and beauty by Qatari artist Essa Al Mulla in “Margins and Creativity” exhibition which recently opened at Katara Building 22.
Recycling old items and turning them into works of art, Al Mulla conveys an important and timely message of environment protection and heritage preservation to new generation of artists.
The artist displays sheer versatility and innovation in his 40 varying artworks in which he puts together an immense collection of machines and old materials such telephone, old coins and radio which are currently of little or no value.
Through these artworks he evokes a sense of nostalgia to the viewer; reflects customs, values, behaviours and practices and stresses the importance of environment protection and making it a way of life.
The expo, which runs until June 7, was opened by Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti in the presence of Qatari and Arab artists.
Dr Al Sulaiti expressed his appreciation of the artist’s creativity and impressive artworks replete with meaning which helps in raising awareness on environment protection and maintaining Qatari heritage through recycling and reusing old materials.
He said Katara is working on organizing art shows abroad based on their artistic value and Katara’s cultural mission and stressed that Katara is always ready to support Qatari artists whether locally or internationally.
For his part, the artist lauded Katara for the encouragement and support extended to him in putting the exhibition together.
Al Mulla said he addressed a number of themes in his artworks such as diving, old clothes, and traditional life and he is working to further develop this idea as well as encourage young Qatari artists to pay attention on recycling old materials and contributing in preserving the environment in innovative and artistic way.
He added that he made use of small and large pieces and tools made of metal, wood and paper and which are not anymore utilised by people nowadays. He turned them into unique pieces of art focusing mainly on Qatari and Gulf heritage, traditional designs of dolls in addition to cafes and traditional clothes.
Al Mullah was born in Souq Waqif, where he lived and grew up with his peers in a busy commercial area brimming with daily activities which inspired him to engage in various artistic pursuits. He has already participated in a number of exhibitions both in Qatar and overseas. Locally, he has featured in expos in Katara and Qatar University while his artistic talent has brought him to a number of countries such as Bangladesh, Lebanon, Iran and Uzbekistan.
The Peninsula
