2007
 
2006
Ahlan wa Sahlan!

Graphic design exihbition in Virginia Commonwealth University (Qatar)


Photos by Larry A. Koltys

by Fatima Mostafawi


On the 29th of August 2007 VCUQ School of the Arts in Qatar celebrated the full production of Hazawi, a publication project conducted in three successive years by VCUQ graphic design juniors. Hazawi consists of three newspapers and three books. Each newspaper is coupled with a book in which together they form a thorough investigation of Qatar's everyday life through time.

     The first Hazawi, Rituals, is a collection of students' insights about Qatar's past. Students interviewed their grandparents to bring out their memories and their passionate longing for the old days into the present sphere.

     The second Hazawi, Hazawi Al Heen (Stories of Today), is an emotional documentation of students' observations about Qatar's culture today. Students wrote about their worries and ambitions. They talked about social relationships and changes they are witnessing as young designers.





Hazawi reflects extensive
efforts and in-depth learning
processes to develop the skills required in designing and printing news and book publications

     The third Hazawi, Hazawi al Mustqbal (Stories of the Future), is a methodical approach to Qatar's future. Each topic reflects students' own opinions about what Qatar's future might look like based on an understanding of Qatar's present, past, and the global changes that the country has recently adopted.

     Hazawi reflects extensive efforts and in-depth learning processes to develop the skills required in designing and printing news and book publications. The visual and verbal contents were carefully synthesized to create a comprehensive analysis. For example, in Hazawi Al Mustaqbal, the students did not predict randomly what could happen in the future; instead, they developed a sensitive mind to observe, analyze and suggest different scenarios. They generated different approaches to create visual languages that fit into the theme of "Qatar's future." The students' commitment and their teachers' dedication yielded positive feedback from the public when Hazawi newspaper was distributed along with one of the Qatari daily newspapers.