Tamayouz Excellence Award

Najla El Zein’s ‘Us, Her, Him’ Wins Dia al-Azzawi Prize for Public Art

Tamayouz Excellence Award is delighted to announce the winner of the Dia al-Azzawi Prize for Public Arts second cycle.

Established in 2021, the Public Art Prize is the latest Tamayouz Excellence Award programme addition. It holds significant importance in the region as the only dedicated award recognising transformative artworks within urban contexts.

The prize empowers artists and engages in dialogue about identity, memory, aspirations, and shared experiences, prompting reflection on cultural values and historical events. Named after the internationally acclaimed Iraqi artist Dia al-Azzawi, a pioneer of modern Arab art, the prize is awarded biennially.

The winner

The winner of the Dia al-Azzawi Prize for Public Art is the site-specific installation “Us, Her, Him” by Najla El Zein, commissioned by Qatar Museums in 2022.

نجلاء الزين - نَحنُ، هِيَ، هوَ - ساحة العلم 3

Judging Criteria

Excellence is the central criterion of the Public Art Prize. This is achieved through a transformative impact on the project’s environment, including design, narrative, engagement, materials, and technique. Particular attention is given to public art projects that represent the spirit or collective feeling of modern times.

The jury looked for artworks within the urban context that had a transformative impact on their communities in the Arab World between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022.

Jury Members

Claudia Linders: Architect and Chair of Stadscuratorium, the Amsterdam City Curatorium for Art in Public Space – The Netherlands

Mahmoud Obaidi: Artist – Iraq/Canada

Philip Michael Wolfson: Architect and Artist – USA/UK

Zeina Arida: Cultural Activist in the Arab World and Director of Mathaf – Lebanon

Shortlist Finalists

The winning artwork was selected from a shortlist of seven finalist works from Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, chosen from 57 submissions from around the Arab world. The shortlist of finalists includes:

  • Baghdad Renaissance Murals – Iraq
  • Borderline – Jordan
  • Break the Silence – Jordan
  • Egal – Qatar
  • Now You See Me, Now You Don’t – Saudi Arabia
  • Us, Her, Him – Qatar
  • Where the Dwellers Lay – Saudi Arabia

Winner Details

Artwork: Us, Her, Him – Site-Specific Installation

Project Lead: Najla El Zein

Project Team: Friedman Benda Gallery, Marmgroup Lebanon (Craftsmen: Elia Lucas, Elia Boulos, Hakem Ibrahim, Omar Dabach, Khaled Dabach, Basel Kashkoush), Maria Tyakina, Dana Alaaeddine

Client: Qatar Museums

City – Country: Doha – Qatar

A series of sculptural benches at Flag Plaza reflect human interactions. Spanning 313 meters of hand-sculpted limestone, the installation emphasises the collective nature of individual fulfilment and unites diverse groups in a public space.

Jury Comment:

“The jury commends ‘Us, Her, Him’ by Najla El Zein for its outstanding quality and transformative impact. Commissioned in 2022 and situated in Flag Plaza, Doha, this 313-metre limestone sculpture is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision. The collaboration between artisans from Marmgroup Lebanon and the design team has produced a work with soft curves and a velvety finish, making it both visually appealing and inviting for public interaction. This subtle, elegant, and exciting functional sculpture entrances and captivates the viewer. In its simplicity, it becomes complex. The installation revitalises its surroundings, fostering community and interpersonal connections. Its universal appeal and seamless integration into the urban space make it a significant and valuable addition to public art in Doha.”

Tamayouz Excellence Award director and Academic Ahmed Al-Mallak Said: 

“Congratulations to the finalists and the winner. We are delighted with the panel’s selection and proud to highlight these artworks’ contributions to their environments. We hope that the selection of the finalist artworks and the winner will encourage the creation of meaningful public art that addresses current issues and future challenges, celebrates life, represents the spirit of our times, and positively contributes to the advancement of public art in the Arab world. Impactful and accessible artworks have the power to transform daily lives. By revitalising public spaces and fostering community connections, such works enhance urban environments and enrich individuals’ everyday experiences, making art a vital part of the social fabric.”

Abdulrahman Al Ishaq, Director of Public Art at Qatar Museums said:

“We are incredibly proud that Najla El Zein’s ‘Us, Her, Him’ has received the prestigious Dia al-Azzawi Award for Public Art. As a French-Lebanese artist exploring the intricate relationships between form, space, and emotion, El Zein has created an installation that truly captures the essence of human interaction. Spanning 313m of hand-sculpted limestone, this ambitious work is her first public installation. It reflects the complexity and importance of human connections, inviting viewers to engage with the sculptures and consider the fundamental role that collectivity plays in individual fulfillment. ‘Us, Her, Him’ leads the pathway into the Flag Plaza, resonating deeply with Qatar Museums’ mission.

This recognition highlights our commitment to bringing art directly to the public through our extensive public art programmes, which enriches the creative horizons of our community. From Richard Serra’s ‘East-West/West-East’ in the Qatar desert, Louise Bourgeois’ ‘Maman’ at the Qatar National Convention Centre, to multiple artworks by local, regional and international artists at the Hamad International Airport we are dedicated to enhancing Qatar’s cultural landscape. Our initiatives like the Annual Intervention open call and JEDARIART, further our mission to support contemporary artists and engage with the local community. Najla El Zein’s achievement is a testament to the power of art in shaping our collective experience, and we are honored to support her work.”

The Prize:

The Dia al-Azzawi Prize for Public Art winner will receive a limited-edition statue and medal designed by Dia al-Azzawi.

Sponsors:

The Tamayouz Excellence Award is sponsored by Coventry University, the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan, Kufa—Makiya Charity, Dewan Architects + Engineers, Bonair Ltd, the United Nations Global Compact—Iraq Network, Round City Magazine, and the Knowledge Hub Universities—Egypt.

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