Latest news with #Alshatti
Kuwait Times
06-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
'Mini Library' launched in Kuwait
Library, first of its kind, encourages exchange of ideas, knowledg KUWAIT: A mini free library—an idea widely embraced abroad but still novel in Kuwait—was recently introduced for the first time along the Gulf Road at Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI), located within the Amricani Cultural Centre. As a cultural organization built around the private collection of the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (1948–2020), DAI was a natural and fitting choice to launch such an initiative—one that aligns with its mission to foster intellectual and cultural engagement in Kuwait. Open to the public, the library allows everyone to take or leave a book for free, encouraging the exchange of ideas and knowledge among people. The only gentle guideline: books should be family friendly. Though still in its experimental phase, the project is built on goodwill and a shared respect for books. It reflects the spirit of the popular Arabic proverb, 'The reader does not steal, and the thief does not read.' 'A reader already carries certain morals within them,' said Worood Alshatti, the founder of the initiative. The little free library stocked with donated books. 'A thief, on the other hand, isn't interested in books—he'd rather steal something of profit, not something that benefits others.' When the idea first struck Alshatti, who works as a translator at DAI, she found support from her colleagues who helped bring the project to life. From the engineer at the museum who crafted the wooden box that holds the books to the organization's staff who donated their old books, everyone believed in the potential impact of the project. Since its launch a few weeks ago, the mini library has sparked curiosity and consistent engagement. 'Every few days, I notice books being taken and new ones added,' Alshatti noted. If successful, Alshatti hopes the concept will expand across Kuwait. 'I'd love to see these libraries everywhere,' she said. 'It's a beautiful way to gently encourage people to read.' With the support of her team, she envisions placing more mini libraries in locations such as Al Shaheed Park, with its peaceful ambiance, and Souq Al Mubarakiya, with its cultural and historical depth. 'But for now,' she added, 'we're treating this as a learning process—trial and error to understand what works best.' Alshatti views books as essential companions in a distracted world. 'It's much better to have books in our lives than be consumed by social media and all that,' she said. An internationally recognized cultural institution, DAI engages the public through a diverse array of activities including an annual cultural season of lectures, concerts, children's programs, exhibitions, and academic research. While renovations at its Qibla Cultural District home continue, DAI currently operates out of the Amricani Cultural Centre and the Yarmouk Cultural Centre.
Kuwait Times
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Painting Kuwait's soul
Through vibrant canvases and cultural symbolism, artist Khalid Alshatti captures the dualities of Gulf life Khalid Alshatti's paintings are rich in visual metaphors, expressing both the struggles and resilience embedded in daily life. The interplay of bold hues and complex forms reveals a deep engagement with emotional and cultural landscapes. Kuwaiti contemporary visual artist Khalid Alshatti is known for his vibrant use of color and intricate patterns that bring his canvases to life. Through his art, he explores dualities — light and darkness, tradition and modernity — offering a profound commentary on the human condition. His paintings are rich in visual metaphors, expressing both the struggles and resilience embedded in daily life. The interplay of bold hues and complex forms reveals a deep engagement with emotional and cultural landscapes. 'My style of drawing largely depends on the environment I live in — the land and sea around me, their vibrant colors, the terrain, and even the animals,' Alshatti shared in an interview with Kuwait Times. His artistic journey has significantly shaped Kuwait's contemporary art scene. Alshatti's work not only reflects personal expression but also sparks broader dialogue about cultural identity and social transformation in the Gulf region. 'Although the desert environment may appear monotonous in terms of color, there is a soft beauty to the terrain,' he elaborated. 'This has been a primary focus of my art. Animals and rustic buildings set against the desert backdrop add depth to my work.' Alshatti's recent exhibition at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) Gallery in Shuwaikh, which ran until April 29, 2025, showcased some of his most compelling works. These pieces invited viewers into a cultural dialogue, prompting reflection on existential themes such as identity, society and family. He is recognized for his expressive, symbol-laden compositions that tackle the complexities of modern life. His dense color palettes and layered designs often merge introspective thought with collective social narratives. 'I discovered my passion for art early in school and committed myself to learning and refining my craft,' Alshatti recalled. His first exhibition was held in 1986 at the age of 18, under the patronage of Professor Mohammad Al-Sanousi. Remarkably, Alshatti is a self-taught artist. 'I had no mentor. I relied entirely on research and experimentation to master different techniques,' he said. Over the years, he developed a unique style shaped by continuous exploration of color, space and form. 'My style blends elements from different schools of art, making it difficult to categorize. Sometimes, the sheer scale of my work draws viewers in and makes them feel part of the painting,' he explained. Alshatti works with a variety of materials, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, paper, plastic and even synthetic substances. 'This mix of media enhances the effect of the painting and serves the overall vision,' he noted. Beyond his solo efforts, Alshatti has actively contributed to the wider art community in Kuwait and beyond. He exhibited alongside fellow Kuwaiti artists Abdulrasoul Salman and May Al-Saad at the Orient Gallery in Amman, Jordan, in a show that highlighted the richness of Kuwaiti art within a regional context. He also represented Kuwait at the 10th Culture & Art International Cairo Biennale for Formative Arts in 2006 and was featured among 29 artists at the Kuwait Contemporary Art Festival organized by the Kuwait Art Association. These events celebrated the evolving landscape of Kuwaiti visual arts, with a particular emphasis on large-scale contemporary painting. Currently, Alshatti serves as international art coordinator at the Al-Riwaq Foundation for Arts in Balqa, Jordan, where he also organizes and participates in exhibitions. 'Kuwait has a rich cultural heritage,' he reflected. 'The authenticity of our culture and institutions has profoundly influenced my perception of art. As Kuwaiti artists, it's our responsibility to pass on this cultural legacy to future generations.'
