09-06-2025
Student art expo bridges Qatar and France through culture
Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Over the past few months, the corridors of Lycée Franco-Qatarien Voltaire in Doha have echoed not only with academic pursuits but with a vibrant tapestry of artistic exploration. From February to April 2025, 64 students, under the guidance of renowned Qatari visual artist Dr Jamila Al Shuraim, produced an extraordinary collection of 260 original artworks.
This ambitious initiative culminated in the vibrant exhibition titled 'How Do You See?, hosted on June 4, which celebrated intercultural dialogue between Qatar and France.
Al Shuraim, whose doctoral work explored vision and perception through the lens of Ibn al-Haytham's philosophy, brought her passion for creative thinking and cultural awareness to this project.
Describing the exhibition as 'a personal dream realised,' she emphasised her commitment to providing a platform where children could express their inner realities freely. The resulting artworks—characterised by bold use of colour, circle motifs, and symbolic imagery such as horses, compasses, and eyes—reflected deep engagement with themes of identity, perception, movement, and cultural heritage.
The exhibition showcased a remarkable fusion of artistic techniques, including screen-prints, stencil art, relief prints, mixed-media installations, and letterpress work. Many pieces thoughtfully incorporated both Qatari and French symbols—for example, the intertwining of national flag colours, currency motifs, and sporting elements tied to Arabic calligraphy—creating a visual narrative that celebrated cultural unity and exchange. The collective installations invited viewers to reflect on how perception shapes our understanding of identity, value, and shared history.
The success of 'How Do You See?' was made possible through the dedication of Lycée Voltaire's faculty, administration, and parents, who supported students throughout their creative journey.
Visitors—comprising educators, parents, and art patrons—praised the exhibition for its educational impact and celebration of cultural dialogue. Many noted how the artworks sparked introspection and conversation, reinforcing the role of art as a bridge between communities.
Al Shuraim's reference to influences from both Ibn al-Haytham and Leonardo da Vinci underscored the philosophical depth of the initiative. She concluded the evening by affirming that this exhibition marked only the beginning of a broader vision to cultivate a generation of artists and thinkers who are confident, curious, and culturally aware.
Founded in 2007 and inaugurated in January 2008, Lycée Franco Qatarien Voltaire operates under the joint patronage of the French Ministry of National Education and the Qatari government. The school's mission is to foster academic excellence and multicultural understanding, embodying a trilingual educational environment rooted in the pedagogical traditions of French, English, and Arabic. The 'How Do You See?' exhibition exemplifies this mission, reinforcing the school's role as a cultural bridge and nurturing creative expression as a vital language of education.
This inspiring event has set a precedent for future artistic collaborations at Lycée Voltaire. With such initiatives, the school continues to weave art into its educational fabric, empowering students to perceive and engage with the world through a lens of creativity, cultural empathy, and intellectual curiosity.
