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.

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.

When he began painting again, he focussed 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 media. Abdul Qader Al Rais became a household name in the GCC world of fine arts.

As an artist, he is largely self-taught. His interest in old local architecture gems and nature were depicted in romantic realism. His early work explores local scenery, coastlines and idyllic landscape in the UAE. They were essentially realist but it is an extraordinary realism distilled by an exacting eye and a mystical imagination which gives his works much of its power. Not only does he capture the place, but also the sense of time, in a medium that is most expressive, appealing and challenging - watercolour. His later works, both in oil and watercolour, retain much of the original influences, but also include geometric elements and calligraphy, which may be familiar to the Middle Eastern eye, but seen as esoteric or enigmatic to Western audiences.

He is a founding member of the Emirates Fine Art Society and is considered to be one of the pioneers of contemporary art in the Emirates, noted for his mainly abstract artwork which has been widely exhibited both within the UAE and abroad. Al Rais artwork can be found in Emirati palaces, government offices and in the personal art collections of members of the royal family of Dubai.

Text courtesy of Wikipedia, 2023