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ArtPeople

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Watch Qatar Through Its Artists — See The True Side

8 Jul 2025

Instagram: @b_almuftah

What is the best way to truly get a feel for a place? Through its people, of course. And if those people happen to be artists — even better. Because every artist I have spoken to (and there have been quite a few, thanks to the nature of my work) seems to draw inspiration from what surrounds them — whether it is nature, people, architecture, or stories from the past.
Today, we are turning our focus to Qatar — a place many of us probably imagine as a mix of futuristic skylines, five-star hotels, and sleek new restaurants. But let’s shift the lens a little. Through the eyes of some of Qatar’s emerging artists — the ones offering us a view from the inside — you will discover a whole other side of the country: one full of contradictions, colour, and quiet beauty.
Here is a quick look at the Qatari artists you should know.

Bouthayna Al Muftah

These days, everyone seems to call themselves a “multidisciplinary artist” — it has become a bit of a buzzword. But if you are wondering what that concept actually means, Qatari artist Bouthayna Al Muftah is the perfect example, as she blends painting, printmaking, drawing, installations, and even performance art.
At the core of her work is language and culture. As she puts it, she doesn’t aim to present a polished, finished product, but rather to reveal the "thinking process… to deliver an almost tangible sentiment." And honestly, that is exactly how it feels.
And just to give you a sense of the scale — if you are wondering where to experience her work, head straight to the National Museum of Qatar. Sounds pretty incredible, right?

Mbarak Nasser Al-Thani

If you imagine Qatar as a neat, structured, perfectly polished country — you need to spend at least 10 minutes in Mbarak Nasser Al-Thani’s world. Honestly, my first thought was that doctors should prescribe his Instagram feed instead of vitamin D — it is that bright, joyful, and full of light. (A joke... but also, not really!)
His works are bold, playful, and completely unbounded — but they are not just random splashes of colour only the artist can decode. There is rhythm, there is a story, and there is clear intention behind every piece. Many of his visuals are deeply rooted in Qatari culture — from palm trees and desert landscapes to gahwa pots and traditional sadu patterns. So if your plan is to dive into Qatar culture through art — his works will take you there. They don't just show you a place — they make you feel it.

Abdulla Al‑Mushaifri

There is a saying — no matter how hard you try to hide what you are feeling, the eyes always give it away. Qatari contemporary artist — or more precisely, photographer — Abdulla Al‑Mushaifri seems to live by that. His portraits go straight to the eyes — bold, honest, and unfiltered. He doesn’t try to beautify or stage anything; instead, he captures people and places exactly as they are.
That same philosophy runs through all of his work. His photography is rooted in real life and raw moments. And while his lens travels beyond Qatar, where he is based, the country remains one of his biggest sources of inspiration.

Azzam Al Mannai

Azzam Al Mannai is one of the most well-known Qatari photographers, but you won’t find Doha’s skyline or traditional portraits in his work. What really inspires him is nature and wildlife, and his story is one worth knowing.
Azzam started out as a mechanical engineer and spent over ten years working in oil and gas. But everything changed after a trip to Iceland — that is when he picked up a camera for the first time. What started as a spark turned into a new path.
These days, his focus is on nature and wildlife — especially in Qatar (a must for anyone who still thinks it is just endless desert). He is all about capturing the little things we usually miss — the kind of moments that are right in front of us but easy to overlook.

Christto Sanz & Andrew Weir

This duo has been making waves on Qatar’s art scene — and honestly, it couldn’t be more deserved.
Their work? A little bit of everything: photography, painting, sculpture and filming.
Their style? Surrealism with an edge — a mix of Gulf influence (you can feel Qatar in the colours and textures), European openness, and just the right touch of their own creative madness. It is playful, strange, bold — but never random.
They dive deep into the contradictions of modern Arab life — the clash between tradition and the future, Bedouin roots and glass towers — with Qatar at the heart of it all. And it is not just a local thing. Their work has found its way onto the international stage — and once you see it, you understand exactly why.

Galiyah & Lolwa Al Mohannadi

This young duo from Qatar made their debut at Milan Design Week just a few months ago — with designs that feel light, colorful, and somehow both playful and super clean at the same time.
Their style is all about keeping things simple and easy — nothing too much, just thoughtful, balanced design that really works. And their inspiration? Pretty much what I mentioned earlier — the world around them. Qatar and the wider Arab region show up in their work in all kinds of ways: desert tones, beautiful architecture, even the textures of everyday life.
They also share a lot of what inspires them on Instagram, so if you are ever in need of a creative boost, they are definitely worth a follow.