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Gallery - Ceramic and mosaic artworks - Ahmad Alawi
Ahmed Allawi creates masterpieces in Islamic ceramic art, producing unique works.
Gallery - Artworks in ceramics and mosaics - Ahmad Alawi
Timeless materials, modern perspective. Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Islamic ceramic artistry, Ahmed Allawi produces creations that connect traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic interpretation. Each ceramic and mosaic work is crafted by hand in the artist’s studio in Doha, embodying the essence of earth and fire.
Public Art in Doha — Ahmed Allawi’s Large-Scale Sculptures and Installations
Creating art for public spaces comes with a unique set of responsibilities. Unlike gallery pieces, which are displayed in controlled settings and viewed by those who intentionally seek them out, public art appears unexpectedly. It occupies shared spaces, becoming part of the everyday visual experience of a city, a hotel, or an institution. It must continually justify its presence, not just once, but on a daily basis.
For over twenty years, Ahmed Allawi has been producing public art in Doha and throughout Qatar. His large-scale sculptures and installations can be found in hospitality venues, civic areas, and private developments across the Gulf. Each piece originates from a profound respect for the space it will inhabit and the individuals who will interact with it.
The Scale of Ambition
Allawi's public artworks vary from significant interior installations — bronze horse groups in hotel lobbies and reception areas — to monumental outdoor sculptures that rise over three meters tall. The dimensions are never random; each piece is proportioned to its environment: the ceiling height, sight lines, movement patterns, and the architectural style of the building it occupies.
Creating works at such a monumental scale involves a different approach than traditional studio sculpture. The clay models are constructed larger, often in sections. The casting process is coordinated with specialized foundries. Installation requires engineering expertise, structural support, and meticulous logistics. Allawi personally supervises each phase, recognizing that a work of this magnitude cannot be entrusted to others.
Bronze in the Gulf Landscape
Bronze holds a special significance in the Gulf region. It symbolizes permanence in an area that has experienced remarkable transformation within a single generation. Commissioning a bronze piece — whether placed in a lobby, garden, or public square — conveys a message of continuity, stability, and a commitment to permanence.
Allawi's large bronze horses embody this significance without overtly stating it. They do not preach; they simply stand, rear, or gallop — thereby anchoring a space in something more ancient and enduring than the surrounding architecture.
Calligraphy at Scale
Some of Allawi's most ambitious public projects elevate his calligraphic art to architectural proportions. Relief panels made of bronze or ceramic, spanning entire walls, feature Arabic letters that flow and intertwine at a scale where each stroke transforms into an environment rather than just a mark.
At this scale, the interaction between the viewer and the letters shifts dramatically. You do not observe the work from afar; you navigate through it. The letters envelop you, and the calligraphy becomes a spatial experience.
These expansive calligraphic installations have been designed for hotel interiors, institutional reception areas, and private residential projects. Each is tailored to its specific site — created for and inseparable from its location. Learn more about Arabic calligraphy in Allawi's work.
Working with Architects and Developers
Allawi's public art practice collaborates closely with architects, interior designers, and project developers. He is well-versed in navigating the constraints and timelines of large construction projects — providing technical specifications, structural requirements, installation drawings, and material samples when needed.
For developers and design teams considering art integration from the outset of a project, this level of collaborative fluency is crucial. Art that is incorporated during the design phase — rather than added post-completion — occupies its space with a confidence that is impossible to retrofit. Explore the Art for Architecture collection for works suitable for large-scale environments.
Enquiries for Large-Scale and Public Works
Institutions, hospitality groups, developers, and government entities interested in large-scale or site-specific commissions are encouraged to reach out to the studio directly. Allawi is open to discussions at any stage of a project — from initial feasibility to detailed design development.
For inquiries regarding public art, please visit the commissions page or contact the studio via email. All inquiries will receive a personal response.
Ahmed Allawi is an Iraqi contemporary artist who has been based in Doha, Qatar since 1999. His public art practice encompasses monumental bronze sculptures, large-scale calligraphic installations, and ceramic architectural works throughout Qatar and the broader GCC. Discover more about how to commission a work or the Cave of Hira — Makkah Prize 2010.