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Ahmed Allawi — Contemporary Artist Based in Doha
Who we are
Ahmed Allawi — Iraqi Contemporary Artist & Sculptor in Doha
Luxury Bronze Sculptures, Arabic Calligraphy & Large-Scale Art from Doha to the World
Ahmed Allawi is a contemporary artist and sculptor originally from Iraq, currently residing in Doha, Qatar. He was born in Baghdad in 1968 and has been committed to visual arts since earning his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 1994.
His artistic endeavors include bronze sculptures, contemporary Arabic calligraphy, large ceramic murals, stainless-steel sculptures, mosaics, architectural artworks, and commissioned installations. Since establishing his professional career in Qatar in 1999, Ahmed Allawi has created artworks and large-scale projects for hospitality, architectural, public, and cultural settings throughout Qatar and the Gulf region.
His creations merge Arabic cultural heritage with contemporary sculpture and craftsmanship, producing unique artworks for collectors, architects, interior designers, hotels, developers, and institutions.
Artistic Journey
1968 — Baghdad, Iraq
Ahmed Allawi was born in Baghdad, Iraq, where his early artistic growth was influenced by the region's rich visual and cultural heritage.
1990–1999 — Iraq
He engaged in artistic activities and exhibitions linked to Iraqi visual artists' organizations, enhancing his professional practice in painting, sculpture, and applied arts.
1993–1997 — Large-Scale Ceramic Art
He executed large ceramic mural projects for significant sites in Iraq, gaining expertise in architectural ceramics and large-scale artistic installations.
1994 — Bachelor of Fine Arts
He graduated from the Fine Arts Department and began his career as a full-time professional artist.
1999 — Doha, Qatar
He relocated to Doha and established a long-term professional artistic presence in Qatar. He later served as Artistic Director at Just Art, contributing to the development and execution of large-scale art and decorative projects.
2000–2010 — Qatar
He participated in exhibitions and artistic activities related to Qatar's visual arts community while creating large-scale ceramic, sculptural, and architectural artworks.
2010 — Makkah International Islamic Art Competition
He won First Prize in the international Islamic competition for the beautification of Makkah for his artistic concept “Cave of Hira.”
2013–2014 — Cultural Exhibitions
He took part in exhibitions related to Baghdad, Capital of Arab Culture 2013, as well as visual arts exhibitions in 2014.
Selected Artistic Achievements
Cave of Hira — Makkah
First Prize, 2010
Ahmed Allawi was awarded first prize in an international Islamic competition for the beautification of Makkah for his artistic work Cave of Hira, which reflects the connection between Islamic heritage, place, and contemporary artistic expression.
Large-Scale Ceramic Portraits
He created large ceramic murals measuring approximately 5 × 3.5 meters, including portraits commissioned for notable Qatari locations.
Al Zubarah Tower Ceramic Artwork
He produced a large-scale ceramic artwork associated with Al Zubarah Tower, showcasing his expertise in architectural-scale ceramic installations.
Doha Tunnel Ceramic Murals
He executed four large ceramic murals, each approximately 20 × 4 meters, for pedestrian tunnel environments in Qatar.
Al Khor Hospital
He created a collection of 15 ceramic murals comprising 68 individual pieces, covering approximately 650 square meters.
Hospitality Artworks in Doha
He contributed artistic works to prominent hospitality environments in Doha, including projects related to luxury hotels and interior spaces.
Artistic Practice
Ahmed Allawi's work encompasses several interconnected areas of contemporary art:
Original Bronze Sculptures
Contemporary Arabic Calligraphy
Dancing Horse Sculptures
Large-Scale Ceramic Murals
Stainless Steel & Metal Sculpture
Architectural Artworks
Mosaics
Handcrafted Artistic Carpets
Wooden Artworks
Custom Art Installations
Hospitality & Hotel Art
Public Art
Commissioned Sculptures
His contemporary bronze sculptures and Arabic calligraphy artworks are crafted as original pieces for private collectors, luxury interiors, hospitality projects, architectural environments, and public spaces.
Art for Collectors, Architects & Developers
Ahmed Allawi collaborates directly with art collectors, architects, interior designers, hotels, developers, and organizations seeking original artwork that resonates with Middle Eastern culture and contemporary design.
Projects can vary from a single collectible bronze sculpture to large-scale commissioned artworks, architectural installations, and comprehensive art packages for hospitality and development projects.
The studio can assist from the initial artistic concept through material selection, fabrication, finishing, and installation.
Professional Memberships
Iraqi Artists Syndicate
Iraqi Artists Association
Qatar Visual Arts Association
Ahmed Allawi — Doha-Based Contemporary Artist
Based in Doha, Qatar, Ahmed Allawi continues to create original sculptures and large-scale artworks inspired by Arabic culture, Islamic heritage, movement, calligraphy, and the visual language of the Gulf.
His practice combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sculpture, focusing particularly on bronze, metal, ceramics, and Arabic calligraphy.
For collectors, architects, hotels, developers, and institutions seeking original artwork or commissioned large-scale projects, contact Ahmed Allawi to discuss your needs.
Contact
Ahmed Allawi — Iraqi Contemporary Artist & Sculptor
Doha, Qatar
Website: myartallawi.com
Instagram: @artistahmedallawi
Email: info@myartallawi.com
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How to Commission a Bronze Sculpture — Working with Ahmed Allawi
Commissioning a distinctive piece of art represents one of the most personal investments a collector, architect, or institution can make. For many, it is also an unfamiliar journey that raises questions before it sparks excitement. How does the process begin? What is the timeline? What decisions will I need to make?
This guide will walk you through the commissioning process with Ahmed Allawi, from the first contact to the final installation.
Step One: The First Conversation
Every commission begins with a conversation. There are no forms to fill out, no technical specifications required at this stage. Allawi's initial question is always the same: What feelings do you want to evoke when you stand in front of this artwork?
The brief may be straightforward — a bronze horse for a hotel lobby, a calligraphic relief for a private residence — or it could be open-ended, allowing for the artist's interpretation. Both methods are valid. Allawi is equally skilled at working from a detailed brief or from a mood, a memory, or a single image that has captured a collector's interest.
Initial contact is made through the commissions page. Responses are usually provided within 48 hours.
Step Two: Concept and Proposal
After the initial conversation, Allawi develops a concept proposal. This includes:
Preliminary sketches — hand-drawn studies that explore form, scale, and composition
Material recommendations — bronze finish, patina color, surface treatment
Scale and siting guidance — how the artwork will relate to its intended environment
Timeline and investment overview — a realistic outline of the process and costs
The proposal serves as a starting point, not a contract. It is intended to encourage dialogue, not to shut it down. Revisions and changes at this stage are completely normal and expected.
Step Three: Agreement and Deposit
Once the concept is approved, a formal commission agreement is signed. This document outlines the scope of work, the agreed timeline, payment schedule, and delivery and installation details.
A deposit — typically 40% of the total commission value — is required to begin production. This covers material costs and the initial modeling phase.
Step Four: The Making
Creating a bronze sculpture is a meticulous process. A commission of moderate size — a horse sculpture between 60cm and 120cm — generally takes between three to five months from the start of modeling to the delivery of the finished piece.
The process involves several stages:
Clay modeling — the form is crafted by hand in clay, allowing for maximum control over surface, texture, and detail
Mould making — a rubber and plaster mold is created from the original clay
Wax casting — molten wax is poured into the mold to create a wax positive
Investment casting — the wax form is encased in a ceramic shell and fired; the wax melts away, leaving a cavity for molten bronze to be poured in
Finishing — the cast bronze is chased, refined, and the patina is applied by hand
Throughout this process, Allawi maintains open lines of communication with the commissioner. Photographs of the work in progress are shared at key stages, and adjustments to surface detail or patina can be discussed before finalization.
Step Five: Certificate and Documentation
Every commissioned piece is delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist, along with comprehensive documentation of the commission — including the original sketches, a record of materials used, and provenance information for the collector's records.
For institutional commissions, additional documentation for insurance and archival purposes can be provided upon request. Explore original artworks that are already available for immediate purchase.
Step Six: Delivery and Installation
Allawi's studio manages the logistics of delivery for works within Qatar and the GCC. For international commissions, specialized art shipping and crating are arranged in coordination with the commissioner.
For large-scale or site-specific installations, the artist is available to oversee placement and installation directly. This is especially crucial for works intended for architectural settings, where the relationship between the sculpture and its environment is a vital aspect of the work's significance. Learn more about public art installations in Doha.
A Note on Waiting
The most common question commissioners ask, after the initial conversation, is: Is it worth the wait?
The answer, in every case, is yes. A bronze sculpture crafted to your specifications, by an artist at the peak of his abilities, for a space you understand and a purpose you have defined — that is not merely a purchase. It is a lasting contribution to the world.
To initiate a commission inquiry, visit the commissions page or contact the studio directly. Ahmed Allawi welcomes inquiries from private collectors, interior designers, architects, hospitality groups, and public institutions. Discover more about collecting original art or the art of bronze horse sculpture.