Al-Khanji’s vision for Arab art

In Qatar, the private art scene is experiencing a boost, thanks to the efforts of collector and designer Dr. Abdulaziz al-Khanji. Through his AZ Arts Studio, he aims to connect Arab artists, informed collectors, and craftsmanship across generations and disciplines. Al-Khanji emphasizes that collecting should be personal, informed, and connected to the individuals behind each work.

The studio serves as a hub for established Arab artists, emerging voices, and collectors who want to understand the significance of a piece before focusing on its monetary value. Al-Khanji's journey began with a damaged painting, which sparked a principle that remains central to his collecting: when one likes something, flaws often go unnoticed, and perfection becomes apparent. His interests span paintings, sculpture, watches, and design, and he actively collaborates on jewelry, furniture, and leather pieces.

Al-Khanji's perspective on art extends beyond traditional boundaries, viewing it as an encompassing force found in craftsmanship and the stories behind everyday objects. His approach to collecting centers on Arab art, believing that these works preserve dimensions of regional history that formal records cannot. He cites the mid-20th-century Hurufiyya movement as an example, where Arabic calligraphy was integrated into modernist abstraction during the era of newly independent states.

Al-Khanji's collection features both established and emerging artists, fostering dialogue between generations. He looks for three qualities in emerging artists: command of material, conceptual coherence, and clarity of voice. He believes that museums and national collections establish the historical record, while independent platforms can support artists more quickly and facilitate direct connections between collectors and makers.

Al-Khanji stresses the importance of education in this process, encouraging art enthusiasts to engage with techniques and artists' experiences.

For those hesitant about collecting, al-Khanji advises not to stress over theory or knowledge; instead, experience the pieces that resonate with them. He encourages people to visit exhibitions, meet artists, and learn their stories, as art can evoke various emotions and interpretations. International perceptions are also evolving positively, with Sotheby's reporting a successful Middle Eastern art season in 2023, featuring a record-breaking sale for a Saudi modernist painting.

Al-Khanji is encouraged by this recognition and the growing presence of young Qatari artists in international auction catalogs. However, he emphasizes that the studio's legacy should be measured by the community it builds, rather than solely through transactions or prices.