Security officer at the National Museum of Qatar, AbduRahman Hussein Khamis holding some of his paintings. Photo by Alexandra Evangelista /The Peninsula
AbduRahman Hussein Khamis, a security officer at the National Museum of Qatar is drawing attention beyond his post, with his persistent passion for art beneath his security uniform.
Beyond monitoring the galleries, AbduRahman from his post has steadily refined his artistic skills, practising brushwork whenever time permitted during his shifts.
In an interview with The Peninsula, the Kenya-born artist spoke about his journey, early struggles and growing recognition within the art community.
Born in Mombasa, AbduRahman said his interest in painting began at a young age, although artistic careers were not widely encouraged in his community.
“The place where I grew up arts was not appreciated. They know about art but they feel it cannot fetch you an income.”
He later relocated to Qatar, where he currently works as a security officer at the National Museum of Qatar. Without formal fine arts training, he said the museum environment itself became his informal learning space.
Between shifts and during free moments, he continued to paint, gradually developing his technique.
“Back then I use to paint but my art was not that appreciated. Sometimes I give out the painting for free, sometimes for a stipend despite the art materials being expensive.” he said.
His visibility increased significantly after Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani shared a selfie with him, bringing wider attention to his work.
Speaking in Swahili, he said: “Meeting Her Excellency has changed everything. Sheikha Al-Mayassa has given young artists like me an opportunity to grow and I am happy to be one of those that benefited from it. It has opened a lot of opportunities for me and big artists now want to collaborate with me.”
Among his notable works are a detailed painting of the National Museum of Qatar and a portrait of Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi.
“The second piece was me standing and holding the painting of a person, the CEO of Qatar Museum, Mohammad Al Rumaihi. When you look through it, you see men in suits and other paintings like an auction house. It tells the story about me and what I was doing.” he added.
Security officer at the National Museum of Qatar, AbduRahman Hussein Khamis. Photo by Alexandra Evangelista /The Peninsula
AbduRahman said his artistic influences include Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Qatar-based artist Basith Khan.
“When it comes to expression art, Basith’s arts inspired me a lot. Day by day, I am trying new themes but I love the basic ones – oil painting and acrylic. As an artist, its hard to know your style but once you have discovered your style, just go with it.”
Describing his artistic approach, he noted that his work leans toward expressive art and realism.
“My art is all about expression and I really love that. I am an introvert, social media is not my thing but with the recognition, I had to make adjustments that includes being active and engage more in social space. I have to motivate upcoming artist, even ideas, it usually takes time to think on what art to do that will be motivational.”
While expressing appreciation for the encouragement he has received, one of his recent works, titled “envy,” was inspired by a personal incident.
“I would say the CEO of Qatar Museum, Mohammed Al Rumaihi. I remember after the first art I gave to him, he wrote me a message that is motivational and the compliment is what I have carried in my heart” he said when asked about the best compliment he had received so far.
The painting “envy” depicts three security guards inside a cabin — one holding a paintbrush in distress, another restraining him, and a third hiding a shredded piece of canvas.
“The story behind this art happened when I did a painting on a piece of paper and the following day, someone had cut this paper into shreds with a scissors. I was upset but this incident inspired me to make this beautiful work of art.” he added.
AbduRahman said he is currently involved in collaborative projects with other artists and encouraged aspiring creatives to remain persistent despite challenges.
“What is holding you back, take me as an example, I work 12 hours shift, no time to draw but I still create and paint. A lot of people are watching. I believe your work will come to limelight one day”. “Create that art and the leave the rest to Allah. Every time, hard work pays”, he said in Swahili.
His colleague Joel Nagi described him as disciplined and determined.
“AbduRahman has come from a far, he is blessed in so many ways. He is not a quitter, he doesn’t fumble and these are virtues I believe will take him to the next level generally in his artistic journey and in life.” he stated
Despite growing recognition, AbduRahman continues to balance his duties as a security officer with his artistic ambitions at the National Museum of Qatar.
