Composition

One of the most significant works by the Qatari artist Jassim al-Zaini, which exemplifies his experimental research, is entitled Composition. In this work, the artist employed recycled food containers to construct a structural composition inspired by Abu Al Qabib Mosque, an iconic example of traditional Qatari architecture constructed in 1878.

Al-Zaini was particularly fascinated by the domes and sought to recreate the circular forms to capture the moment that captivated him when he saw the mosque while flying over Doha.

The artist employs a monochromatic palette of white, which serves to emphasise form and evoke a sense of heritage, a recurring method in his oeuvre.

While many of al-Zaini's abstract works draw on personal experience, they also reflect his commitment to experimentation, as he articulated in an interview with Mathaf in 2011. In this interview, he discussed his pursuit of 'art for art's sake', a concept that guides his creative process.