Fire Station: Artist in Residence unveiled two exhibitions this week titled "Neighbours of the Sea” and “Etheralscape” by current and former Fire Station residents. These exhibitions, on display until August 17 at Gallery 3 and Gallery 4, are part of the Fire Station’s Artists in Residence and Ruwad in Residence programmes, aimed at fostering local talent through production support, curatorial guidance, and expert mentorship. "Neighbours of the Sea," a collaborative exhibition by renowned Qatari artists Wafika Sultan al-Issa and Hassan al-Mulla, showcases more than 30 mixed-media paintings that delve into the profound connection between the artists' inner worlds and their environment, society, and heritage.
This exhibition will highlight how their creative expressions intersect, despite differing artistic styles, by drawing from the rich cultural tapestry and unique environmental landscape of Qatar. Their art takes the local environment and cultural heritage as a shared source of inspiration, reflecting the influence of the desert and sea on Qatari life, urbanism, and traditions. Al-Essa, a resident in Fire Stations’ Ruwad in Residence programme and a Qatari visual artist since 1972, is a founding member of the Qatar Fine Arts Association and one of the pioneers of art in Qatar.
Al-Mulla, another resident in Fire Stations’ Ruwad in Residence programme and an influential Qatari visual artist, has left a mark on Qatar's art landscape. With a presidency at the Qatar .
