The Guggenheim reality becomes closer as they curate a selection of work on display at Emirates Palace. The outreach programs of lectures and workshops are evident. The Abu Dhabi Artfair displayed Hirst, Warhol, Picasso, Cezanne, but my favorite artist Safwan Dahoul’s work was an inspiration at Ayyam Gallery’s booth. The Beirut/ Damascus/ Dubai gallery produced a beautiful retrospective book of his work.
“For over twenty years, Syrian artist Safwan Dahoul has frequently used just a single word to title his paintings: ‘Dream.’…” Ayyam Gallery
“In May 2008, Safwan lost Nawar, his college sweetheart and wife of 20 years to cancer… In the fall of 2008, Safwan exhibited these eight paintings at Ayyam Gallery… as a memorial honoring the life of Nawar.”
We discuss the iconographic style and the gallerist tells me how people ask where is the male in the paintings? His form represented by the chair containing/comforting the female.
“Safwan originally from Hawa, travels to Belgium in 1990 and is engrossed in the works of Flemish masters Bosch (1453-1516) and Bruegal the Elder (1525-69) exploring universal themes. He never abandoned his roots… his palette would become muted as the Levantine landscape that surrounded him, while his figures would take on the stylized attributes of the Egyptian pharaohs and Assyrian warriors.”
Safwan Dahoul Ayyam Gallery
Hauntingly beautiful, I find his work romantic and powerful, sincere. Executed beautifully with precision and care, the palette transforms me to another space I believe is real. I was thankful Myriam made time to speak with me about this profound artist who was next to the British Ice Cube Booth.
Safwan connected with my heart, was more evocative to me than the cold work of BritBrat Damien Hirst
“I can’t wait to get into a position to make really bad art and get away with it. At the moment if I did certain things people would look at it, consider it and then say ‘f off’. But after a while you can get away with things.” Quoted on Wikipedia.
Damien Hirst Butterflies
“Hirst explores the uncertainty at the core of human experience; love, life, death, loyalty and betrayal through unexpected and unconventional media.” -WhiteCube His Butterfly paintings (taking the wings of tropical butterflies) and his work using animals does not amuse animal-right activists.
So cold compared to Safwan, I enjoy being influenced by the Middle Eastern art, and bring this emotion to my work. “Wouldn’t the world be a better place if people would wear their halos instead of their masks?” – Safwan. The identity of the artist is so important to the work. The collector, interested in how each artist chooses to express themselves.
Abu Dhabi Art Fair
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009The Guggenheim reality becomes closer as they curate a selection of work on display at Emirates Palace. The outreach programs of lectures and workshops are evident. The Abu Dhabi Artfair displayed Hirst, Warhol, Picasso, Cezanne, but my favorite artist Safwan Dahoul’s work was an inspiration at Ayyam Gallery’s booth. The Beirut/ Damascus/ Dubai gallery produced a beautiful retrospective book of his work.
“For over twenty years, Syrian artist Safwan Dahoul has frequently used just a single word to title his paintings: ‘Dream.’…” Ayyam Gallery
“In May 2008, Safwan lost Nawar, his college sweetheart and wife of 20 years to cancer… In the fall of 2008, Safwan exhibited these eight paintings at Ayyam Gallery… as a memorial honoring the life of Nawar.”
We discuss the iconographic style and the gallerist tells me how people ask where is the male in the paintings? His form represented by the chair containing/comforting the female.
“Safwan originally from Hawa, travels to Belgium in 1990 and is engrossed in the works of Flemish masters Bosch (1453-1516) and Bruegal the Elder (1525-69) exploring universal themes. He never abandoned his roots… his palette would become muted as the Levantine landscape that surrounded him, while his figures would take on the stylized attributes of the Egyptian pharaohs and Assyrian warriors.”
Safwan Dahoul Ayyam Gallery
Hauntingly beautiful, I find his work romantic and powerful, sincere. Executed beautifully with precision and care, the palette transforms me to another space I believe is real. I was thankful Myriam made time to speak with me about this profound artist who was next to the British Ice Cube Booth.
Safwan connected with my heart, was more evocative to me than the cold work of BritBrat Damien Hirst
“I can’t wait to get into a position to make really bad art and get away with it. At the moment if I did certain things people would look at it, consider it and then say ‘f off’. But after a while you can get away with things.” Quoted on Wikipedia.
Damien Hirst Butterflies
“Hirst explores the uncertainty at the core of human experience; love, life, death, loyalty and betrayal through unexpected and unconventional media.” -WhiteCube His Butterfly paintings (taking the wings of tropical butterflies) and his work using animals does not amuse animal-right activists.
So cold compared to Safwan, I enjoy being influenced by the Middle Eastern art, and bring this emotion to my work. “Wouldn’t the world be a better place if people would wear their halos instead of their masks?” – Safwan. The identity of the artist is so important to the work. The collector, interested in how each artist chooses to express themselves.
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