Truck Art Joins JedariArt in its Latest Version

The 2022 version of JedariArt Public Art Programme brings in artists from India and Pakistan and splashes colour on city walls in celebration of truck art, an artform which will fade out if not celebrated enough. JedariArt also brings to the fore art from Qatar-based artists on important locations in the country and celebrates art democratically across the country.

Art forms that are intrinsic to India and Pakistan, which gained popularity through their presence all over these two countries on a moving medium, a truck, is now on walls at Al Mansour Metro Station in a unique show of solidarity between these two communities in Doha. The two social projects invited to contribute are All India Permit from India and Phool Patti from Pakistan. The resulting wall paintings are vibrant and conveys the beautiful culture of both these countries along with introducing us to an artform that has been prevalent in these countries. JedariArt, an annual public art programme launched by Qatar Museums to add meaning and vibrancy to the city’s walls through curated murals and street art in its latest edition is in partnership with Phool Patti, All India Permit, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar – ASHGHAL, WOQOD and JOTUN.

Abdulrahman Ahmed Al-Ishaq, Director of Public Art at Qatar Museums, said: “Jedariart is a public art programme that aims to provide a tangible sense of space for the wider community and create new tourist attractions across the city. Qatar Museums is delighted to this year have All India Permit and Phool Patti on board to adorn city walls with murals that are a nod to the vibrant truck art that is ubiquitous in both countries.

This year’s edition of JedariArt had other activities including school students painting a mural of Qatari artist Maryam Al Madadi’s ‘Colour your World’ painting, social projects India Permit and Phool Patti outside the Al Mansoura metro station and three local artists Amal Serhan, Abdulrahman Ahmadi, Maya Attia activating several walls at the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas. Lee Baker also activated a wall at the Wholesale Market street petrol station with the support of WOQOD.

Participating artists include Ali Salman Anchan, Mumtaz Ahmad, Muhammad Amin from Phool Patti; Farid Bawa and Akhlaq Ahmad (Shabbu) from All India Permit; and locally based artists Amal Serhan, Abdulrahman Ahmadi, Maya Attia and Lee Baker.

Amal Serhan whose artform was painted over the walls of the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort was pretty chuffed with the opportunity from Qatar Museums and she loved the interactive way in which the painting was complete, with others looking on and encouraging her while she set about the daunting task of painting on huge walls.

Ali Salman, founder of Phool Patti, said: “The best part of our participation in Qatar this year was that we were participating beside All India Permit and everyone here can understand why Pakistani truck art is so famous.This truck art is an embodiment of Phool Patti’s dedication to the cause of promoting Pakistan’s ricj culture and heritage. We thank Qatar Museums for the opportunity and hope to collaborate with Qatar Museums more in the future.”

Farid Bawa said: “All India Permit is a project that aims to revive, preserve and promote Indian truck art and culture. And we are really stoked to partner with Qatar Museums and JedariArt to bring this unique art form to the streets of Doha and beyond. For this collaboration, Akhlaq Ahmad aka Shabbu Painter and I will be creating a vibrant mural that showcases typography, colours, motifs and slogans inspired by the incredible trucks of India.”

Bawa ensured that the art on the wall in Doha was as participative as possible and he added an additional Indian language on to the wall to represent one community on their request. And this is the reason this art form is so dear to these countries, as they are democratic and one that imbibes a pride of belonging.

And Qatar has been instrumental in putting the attention of this social art form!