Abdul Qader Al Rais
Abdul Qader Al Rais (Arabic: عبد القادر الريس) is a multi-award-winning, Emirati painter noted for his abstract art which combines geometric shapes with Arabic calligraphy. He is known for including calligraphy and abstracted objects in his paintings, and regarded as a colour master. Al Rais, who was inspired by the Dutch Masters and Impressionists in his earlier work, created a distinctive style that is influenced by the different elements of nature and culture in the region. These elements frequently feature in his works. Early life Al Rais was born in 1951 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He became interested in painting, at the age of 14, following his father's death, when his mother sent him to Kuwait to live with his sister. He considered himself lucky because Kuwait was having a cultural renaissance at the time and he connected with other artists frequently at Al Marsam Al Hurr, the free studio, where they had access to books on art. Among such books were works on Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and other Renaissance luminaries that Al Rais regards as his first teachers. Additionally, the Kuwaiti government at the time supported art, so he had free access to all the supplies he needed. He showed an early talent, which he attributed as a "gift from God." He remained with his sister in Kuwait until he was 18 yrs old by which time he had completed his basic education at the grammar school. Undoubtedly, Abdul Qader's early experiences in Kuwait, including the teachings impacted his development both artistically and intellectually. Al Rais' unique style, that had yet to emerge, stems from his love for Impressionism which he learnt from Monet, Degas and Pissarro. Career In 1968, Al Rais painted The Wait, an oil painting that depicts a boy standing behind two other boys who are sitting on the floor. Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi chose The Wait as the oldest artwork to be displayed in the UAE's National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. On his return to the Emirates, in 1974, he worked at the Ministry of Labour as a labour inspector and pursued his further education by earning a degree in Sharia Law at the United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain. From 1974, he discontinued painting altogether and did not pick up a paint-brush for another 12 years. It was only after that, he concentrated on painting political themes such as the Gulf War and the First Palestinian Intifada. Al Rais later returned to painting, although he stopped painting figures. He focused his attention instead on producing sweeping landscapes, architectural studies and abstract forms. As a young artist, he was awarded first honour for his artwork inspired by the movie, The Agony and the Ecstasy. This signaled the beginning of his career in art. Abdul Qader's incessant pencil and watercolour sketches clearly defined his role in life as an artist. These early works has led to continued success, as he received multiple awards, which garnered the attention of national and international