Educational and Professional Journey
- Eng. Wafika Sultan began her academic pursuit at Cairo University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Arts in 1974.
- A founding member of the Qatari Fine Arts Association, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic landscape of the region.
- Her career includes significant roles such as Supervisor for Production Affairs at Qatar Television (1974-1988) and Media Researcher at the Qatar Embassy in Cairo (1988-1992).
- Since 1995, she has been a celebrated freelance designer, specializing in decoration.
Eng. Wafika Sultan Saif Al-Essa, a distinguished figure in the world of art and design, has carved a unique niche in the intersection of artistic expression and architectural precision. Born with a passion for the arts and educated in engineering, Wafika’s journey is a testament to the harmonious blend of technical skill and creative vision. Since earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Arts from Cairo University in 1974, she has emerged as a leading figure in the Qatari art scene, profoundly influencing the region’s cultural landscape. A founding member of the Qatari Fine Arts Association, Wafika has been instrumental in fostering artistic growth and appreciation within the community.
Her career spans several decades, marked by diverse roles from a Production Supervisor at Qatar Television to a Media Researcher at the Qatar Embassy in Cairo, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Wafika’s artistic voyage is highlighted by an array of exhibitions that span the globe, from her first solo exhibition at the Sheraton Doha in 1984 to her latest showcase at Al Housh Gallery in 2020. Her work has graced venues in Morocco, Kuwait, Iraq, Bangladesh, Egypt, the United States, and beyond, reflecting her international appeal and the universal resonance of her art. She is celebrated for her unique ability to convey profound emotions and narratives through her paintings, each piece a vibrant tapestry of color, emotion, and experience. Her style, characterized by its emotional depth and vivid imagery, draws inspiration from a spectrum of influences, ranging from nature and human experiences to the intricate emotions that define the human condition.
Beyond her exhibitions, Wafika Sultan is recognized as a pioneer among women in Qatari artistic painting, a notable achievement in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her contributions have earned her the prestigious Arab Woman Award, highlighting her status as a significant figure in the Arab art community. Her philosophy extends beyond the creation of visually appealing works; she seeks to evoke reflection, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of our collective human experience. Eng. Wafika Sultan continues to inspire and captivate with her art, embodying the true spirit of innovation and the transformative power of creativity.
Artistic Philosophy
Eng. Wafika Sultan’s visiual art transcends traditional boundaries, blending her technical expertise with a heartfelt emotional depth. Her paintings are a testament to her belief in the power of art to communicate, to transform, and to resonate deeply with the human experience.
Exhibitions of Eng. Wafika Sultan
Eng. Wafika Sultan's exhibitions span across continents, reflecting her international acclaim and the universal appeal of her art. This section provides a glimpse into her vibrant exhibition history, showcasing her evolution as an artist and her contributions to the global art scene.
- Participated in all local exhibitions in Doha, Qatar – Between 1974 & 1989.
- The Second Arab Exhibition – Rabat, Morocco – 1976.
- Exhibitions of Arab Painters in Kuwait – Years: 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1998.
- Exhibition of Gulf Artists – Baghdad, Iraq – 1982.
- First solo exhibition at Sheraton Doha – Doha, Qatar – 1984.
- Third International Asian Art Biennale – Dhaka, Bangladesh – 1986.
- Obison Exhibition at Sheraton Doha – Doha, Qatar – March/April 1988.
- Solo exhibition at Sheraton Cairo – Cairo, Egypt – June 1990.
- Solo exhibition in Washington D.C. – United States – 2003.
- Solo exhibition at the Creativity Girl Center – Doha, Qatar – Sep. 2005.
- Waqif Art Center Exhibition – Doha, Qatar – 2006.
- Exhibition at UNESCO Palace – Beirut, Lebanon – 2009.
- Waqif Art Center Exhibition – Doha, Qatar – 2010.
- Exhibition at the Arab Museum of Modern Art – Doha, Qatar – 2011.
- Mal Money Gallery Hall of Exhibitions – Doha, Qatar – September 2012.
- Lum’a Al Nozah Exhibition at Al Markhiya Gallery, Souq Waqif – Doha, Qatar – 2013.
- Fine Art Exhibition at Qatar Fine Arts Association – Doha, Qatar – January 2014.
- Youth Creative Center for Artistic Innovation – Doha, Qatar – 2015.
- Arab Meeting Exhibition at Qatar Fine Arts Association, Katara – Doha, Qatar – March 2017.
- “Reflections” Exhibition at Al Markhiya Gallery – Doha, Qatar – Sep. 2017.
- “I Have Stories” Exhibition at Al Housh Gallery – Doha, Qatar – 2020.