Jaber Henzab's artwork depicted on popular landmarks in Qatar (clockwise from top-left): Indoor arena at Al Shaqab, Msheireb Downtown, Zig Zag tower, 5/6 Interchange, Lusail Stadium, 2022 Building, Place Vendome, and Museum of Islamic Art. Photo courtesy of Jaber Henzab
Doha: A local artist in Qatar is reimagining popular landmarks and stunning architectures in the country into witty works of art.
Under his pen, the Zig Zag tower is transformed into a giant Superman lego. The iconic Lusail Stadium into a straw hat of Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece. The 5/6 Interchange as Spiderman's glasses and Lusail's Crescent Tower as Ballon d’Or winner and Real Madrid player, Karim Benzema.
All these are put into perspective by Qatari artist, Jaber Henzab, who aims to prompt awareness on our surroundings.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Henzab said that most of his artworks are inspired by landmarks frequented by people in Qatar. His process begins with a photo of his chosen subject, captured in varied angles, to spark ideas for his next piece of art.
The Qatari artist, Jaber Henzab
"For the art I generate from the photos, its mostly landmarks that we pass by everyday. Then with a creative touch I create a new story and vision to that building which encourages people to give more attention to the world around them," he told The Peninsula.
Although the 35-year-old artist is well-versed in various art mediums, such as pencil, acrylic, and spray paint, he has delved into digital art since the start of the pandemic. Through this, he thought it to be a more convenient path to share his work to the audience with a single click.
Henzab's artworks are available across social media platforms. On Instagram, his over 11 thousand followers show enthusiam and engagement on each post contaning the before-and-after of an illustration.
The before and after of a Mr. Bean illustration made by Jaber Henzab
By incorporating photography and architecture, his digital art easily relates and narrates stories to his viewers.
"I started with the buildings as a series however the most thing I like is including creativity and stories that engage the viewer with the artwork," he said.
Henzab started sharing his art on Instagram in 2018, yet it was after two years when he started illustrating on photos of Qatar's sceneries and architecture. His first one was an illustration of fan-favourite Pokemon, Pikachu, leaning on the famed Zig Zag tower.
Since then, he has also started sharing illustrations on buildings and landmarks of countries he travels to, from Austria, Geneva, Turkiye, and New York City.
The before and after illustration of Real Madrid football player, Karim Benzema.
The artist also shared that the artworks he mostly holds dear are of those related to the FIFA World Cup, set to occur in the country in November.
When asked about the goals he has set for himself in the future, Henzab simply said that he hopes to continue producing art and learning along the way as he shares his love for creativity in the local and international art scene.
Henzab is among the eight artists tasked to judge the best fan art for the FIFA Dream Contest. Dubbed as "The Dream Team", Henzab will be representing Qatar alongside several artists from various countries including Matt Adante from Sydney; Josephine Henning from Berlin; Farid Rueda from Mexico CIty; Lu Sedova from Buenos Aires; Ashley Dreyfus and Gabe Gault from USA; and Victor Mosqueara from Toronto.
Those who wish to participate may still submit their artworks until November 3, 2022. Each art piece must include the official trophy and embody the participant's FIFA World Cup dream. Simply share the artwork on Twitter and Instagram with #FIFADreamContest.
