Views From My Country
Ali Hassan
- WhereBiznest (Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar)
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About the art
01Views from My Country reflects the identity of the nation through a symbolic composition rooted in landscape, memory, and aspiration. The sea evokes the stories of ancestors and Qatar’s maritime heritage, recalling pearl diving and trade as foundations of early prosperity. The desert represents resilience and endurance, shaped by the intensity of sun and land. Together, these elements frame a present defined by hope and continuity. The composition is built around a deliberate triad of colors that articulate past, present, and future, offering a visual meditation on national identity, cultural depth, and a forward-looking vision. Ali Hassan is one of Qatar’s most celebrated artists. Born in Doha in 1956, he began his training in Arabic calligraphy in 1972 while working for local newspapers. He later attended a workshop at the University of Leuven in Belgium and studied graphic arts in Cairo. Over several decades, Hassan developed a distinctive semi-abstract style that blends calligraphic forms with vibrant color. His long engagement with the Arabic letter nun has produced an extensive body of work spanning traditional calligraphy, painting, sculpture, and installation. His work has been exhibited internationally in cities including Tokyo, Zurich, Paris, and New York, and is held in major museum collections worldwide. A self-taught artist, he holds a BA in History from Qatar University and received the State Encouragement Award in Fine Arts. He was appointed an expert in fine arts by the Ministry of Justice.
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