Back in 2019, John was invited to participate in the first of its kind “Scrap Art Exhibition” in Doha Qatar, in 2024 the event was renamed the “Tadweer Art Exhibition.” Artists from all over the world are invited to exhibit and share their process with local and international attendees.

In February 2024, John traveled to Doha for two weeks for the Tadweer Art Exhibition. Tadweer translates to “recycling” in Arabic, a descriptor of the art form and a greater movement towards sustainability.

“I shipped over a life-size Arabian horse that I made specifically for the show and also sent a sculpture I made a couple of years ago of a humpback whale. There were around twenty other artists from around the world participating in the show including Lemmon Favorite Dotun Popoola!”

John talks visits with TV hosts from AlrayyanTV.

John was able to connect with fellow Tadweer sculptures and experience Doha hospitality including camel rides, and cuisine, and was even interviewed on local TV! “I met some amazing artists that will be friends for years to come.”

Event organizers set up a welding station complete with scrap to use. Artists were able to demonstrate. their craft to a public audience. John used the space to weld a life-size foal over the space of a week. Follow John Lopez on Facebook @JohnLopez to stay current on recent projects and adventures!