Aljazi Al-Naimi, a Qatari artist, has created a massive sculpture named “Awan” that is currently on display at Fire Station’s ‘A House Overlooking the World’ exhibition in Doha, Qatar. The sculpture, standing at 165 cm high, 222 cm wide, and 145 cm deep, is recognized as the largest handmade sculpture in Qatar. Al-Naimi, an architect and self-taught artist, combines her background in architecture with a passion for sculpture, painting, and 3D digital modeling, using a variety of materials such as plaster, wood, clay, fiberglass, styrofoam, and more in her artistic practice.
Al-Naimi’s inspiration behind “Awan,” which means “time” in Arabic, revolves around the concept of life’s fleeting nature. The sculpture employs the hourglass motif to symbolize the passage of time and the importance of valuing time to achieve goals. Al-Naimi explains that the curves within the sculpture represent life’s different phases, with ascending curves symbolizing joy and stability, while descending ones signify struggles. The sculpture aims to remind viewers of the universal test of life – the choice to make the most of time or waste it.
Crafted entirely by hand using local materials, “Awan” signifies Al-Naimi’s commitment to her craft. The artist faced challenges sourcing the right local materials and overcoming the intricacies of sculpting an organic shape. The dark green color chosen for the sculpture was selected for its psychological impact and deep resonance with the audience. Through “Awan,” Al-Naimi hopes to inspire viewers to reflect on how they value their time and focus on the present to make the most of the time they have now.
The reception of “Awan” has been positive, with viewers expressing surprise at the scale and craftsmanship of the sculpture. Al-Naimi emphasizes the importance of precision, patience, and excellence in her work, guided by the saying, “God loves that when one of you performs a task, they do it with excellence.” She hopes to contribute to positive change through her art and raise awareness through her works. For aspiring artists, Al-Naimi advises experimenting with different materials, tools, and techniques to discover hidden potential along the way.
In the rapidly evolving art scene in Qatar, Al-Naimi sees more opportunities for local artists but acknowledges the need for greater international exposure and support for young artists. She looks forward to creating works that inspire and raise awareness, aiming to make a positive impact. Al-Naimi’s experience in the Fire Station’s Artists in Residence program was enriching, allowing her to focus deeply on her work in a creative environment surrounded by other talented artists. Reach out to Aljazi Al-Naimi on Instagram @jazi_alnaimi for more insights into her artistic journey and creations.
