We caught up with the artist behind @Gollythecat, Juifa Hana Binti Muhamad Jamal, whose works were featured in a recent exhibition by Malaysian artists hosted at Katara.

How long have you been in Qatar and what brought you here?
I’ve been in Qatar for almost nine years now. I have been a trailing spouse since 2014 and my husband’s work has taken me to London, Cairo and now Doha.

Please tell us about the start of your creative journey.
From the time I could crawl, I have had a profound love for watercolours, gouache and coloured pencils. These artistic mediums have been a constant part of my life, and I have cultivated the habit of maintaining a visual diary in journals and sketchbooks since my high school years. Interestingly, even my geography, biology and chemistry notebooks are adorned with vibrant illustrations and colourful maps! For nearly 10 years, I worked in the oil and gas industry as an electrical and instrument engineer. However, I made the decision to transition into the role of primary caregiver for my two children. Throughout this time, I have continued to document everything I see and experience in my trusty sketchbook. When I arrived in Doha, I was greeted by a whole new environment. At first glance, it may have seemed barren, but upon closer inspection, its true beauty became evident. It was in this place that I felt an unparalleled closeness to our Creator, unburdened by life’s many distractions.

Who is Golly the cat?
Golly holds a special place in my heart as the most cherished cat of my adolescent years. My deep affection for animals extends to a profound love for cats in particular. Hence, why I chose Golly The Cat as my pseudonym. When it comes to my artistic endeavours, I strive to create honest and authentic pieces that draw inspiration from the world around me. Everyday objects, the beauty of nature and the people I encounter all serve as sources of inspiration for my art. It’s through my creations that I seek to establish a connection, allowing others to relate to the stories and emotions. Cats possess an abundance of charming personalities, and I often envision them as my feline counterparts, each with their own unique jobs, backgrounds and hobbies. What fascinates me the most is portraying cats in a human-like form, capturing their essence in a relatable manner.

Please tell us about some of your other projects – menus / cookbooks / maps.
My art encompasses my passions for cats, food, architecture and maps. I love painting food, often transforming my illustrations into cookbooks, creating cherished keepsakes for my children. Fascinated by Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern architecture, I diligently capture these captivating structures in my sketchbooks. In addition, I find joy in depicting daily life and capturing the local culture in my paintings. Map making is another passion, where I meticulously hand paint maps in watercolour. Each is meticulously researched, featuring well-known attractions and local recommendations. Furthermore, I explore various themes in my map creations, such as food maps, maps showcasing heritage traders and even recreations of antique maps. With each artistic endeavour, I pour my heart and soul into depicting the subjects that inspire me most.

You were recently part of an exhibition at Katara – how did that come about? Was it your first exhibition in Qatar? How did it feel to see your work in such a prestigious setting?
The Malaysians in Qatar Visual Arts exhibition (MVAE) is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Embassy of Malaysia in Qatar, Katara and Malaysian artists in Qatar. Themed Malaysia Mempersona|Mesmerising Malaysia, it celebrates Malaysia’s distinctiveness through its history, landscapes and cultural diversity. Alongside the main exhibition, there is a separate showcase dedicated to capturing the artists’ experiences and memories in Qatar. Being selected as one of the exhibitors is an incredible opportunity that fills me with immense gratitude. Seeing my artwork in the spotlight is a truly surreal experience and receiving praise and commendations from visitors, feels like an invaluable gift.

What do you like to do when you are not creating?
Besides creating, my main passion is volunteering for a non-profit women’s group called Tuesday Active Group (Doha). I am one of the founders. Doha is so unique, that ladies from various different backgrounds and nationalities (almost 40 countries) are able to enjoy doing activities together and forge everlasting friendships. From walks in the parks to dragon boating to museum visits, we have it all covered. We empower ladies in Doha and are always passionate to enrich each other’s lives from the get-go. ✤