Composition

Jassim Al-Zaini was a pioneer in the development of modern art in Qatar. His work explored cultural identity and local customs, during a time of great change, following the discovery of natural resources in Qatar. Al-Zaini created this early artwork in the wake of Qatar’s independence in 1971, after completing his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad. Over this period, the artist’s abstract works expressed ideas linked to heritage through modern methods. The choice of colour in this piece is inspired by the local landscape, featuring deep blues and earthy tones. He also incorporated symbols from Islamic heritage and geometric shapes drawn from traditional Gulf architecture and textiles. This approach reveals the roots of Al-Zaini’s artistic vision at a pivotal moment of national transformation in Qatar.