Wafa al-Hamad, Khedaa al-Basaar (Optical Illusion), 1985, Acrylic on Canvas, 52 x 77 cm.

Wafa Al-Hamad is a Qatari artist and educator. She graduated from Qatar university with a BA in Art Education in 1986, a MFA from Eastern Michigan University in 1991, and Phd in Art Education from University of North Texas 1998. Al-Hamad became the first Qatari to obtain a PhD. She returned to Qatar University where she became a professor in Art Education until her passing in 2012. Al-Hamad’s work is informed by her research and education in art and practice. Her works are characterized by her use of various techniques that incorporate local heritage and tradition, color theory, and optical illusions.