Abstraction of the Word Qatar

One of Jassim al-Zaini's most significant artworks is Abstraction of the Word Qatar, in which he presents the Arabic word 'Qatar' as an architectural form referencing the modernisation of the country. In this experimentation with hurufiyya, an art form that incorporates Arabic letterforms, al-Zaini transforms the traditionally curved shape of the letters into rectangular forms. It is noteworthy that al-Zaini's abstract interpretation of the letter 'ta' (ﺕ) suggests a gushing oil well. This serves as a metaphor for advancement and modernity, as the discovery of oil signified the advent of substantial transformations in Qatari society, culture and economy. In this work, al-Zaini uses a vintage palette of yellow and brown to emphasise the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the process of modernisation.