BFA+MFA 2023

Shaikha Alansari

Old And New

Painting and Printmaking

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Architecture has been a recurring theme in my artistic approach throughout the years. As my surroundings are a source of inspiration and curiosity for me, I always snap pictures of them when I'm outside. I chose Souq Waqif as the central theme of my painting, specifically because it has all the elements I need, which is the old and new. Souq Waqif is a place that is made to look old and traditional. It emits traditional Qatari vibes and is a great tourist destination. I like to express my love for my country by painting its beauty. 

For my thesis project, I created a large oil painting with the concept of binding the old and new elements in architecture. I paint most of the time with oils and sometimes acrylics. I envisioned creating an immersive experience by adding the sound of people in the souq with birds hanging above the painting, with notes from people’s experience visiting Souq Waqif. When it comes to scale, I started at a size that isn’t too small or big. However, now I am creating a much bigger paintings to let the people have a different feeling while looking at my paintings.