Nature & the Self: High School Fine Art Award II, 2025

Nature & the Self encourages young artists to explore their personal emotions, experiences, and hopes through the lens of nature. For centuries, Arab aesthetics have drawn on nature as a mirror for the soul—the olive tree as a symbol of endurance, desert winds as echoes of resilience, and gardens as sanctuaries of inner peace. In this spirit, the award asks: What in nature reflects your story? How do materials—light, stone, water, or sound—become vessels of self-expression?

Open to all public government high school students within the The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in Grade 11 and 12 enrolled in visual arts elective courses across Qatar. Submissions are accepted in the following media:

Artworks must not exceed 50 x 70 cm (where applicable). Video works must be under three minutes in .mp4 or .mov format.

Key Dates

Prizes will be awarded to the top three works in each category. Winners will receive:

All participating students will receive a certificate of appreciation for their contribution.

(*) A collaborative initiative between the Painting and Printmaking Department at VCUarts Qatar and Al Bahie Auction House, the auction featured works by department alumni, alongside local emerging artists and artists from the wider region. Jadeed is a new auction category introduced by Al Bahie, dedicated to showcasing contemporary art by both established and emerging talents from Doha.

The auction achieved remarkable success, setting new records for several Qatari and expatriate artists, with all hammer prices surpassing their anticipated high estimates. The event attracted a strong turnout of attendees and participants, resulting in more than 80% of the lots being sold, with additional after-sale offers received immediately following the auction.