Recap Exhibition Artbooth Gallery
Recap: Group Exhibition at Artbooth Gallery
11.08.2024
Reading 4 min

The Artbooth Gallery in Abu Dhabi is hosting Recap: Group Exhibition that showcases artworks by eleven acclaimed Arab creatives, such as Asaad Arabi, Akil Ahmad, Caleen Ladki, Gilbert Halaby, Hussein Baalbaki, Jamal Bassiouni, Kusay Bader, Noor Bahjat, Oussama Diab, Walid El Masri, and Wadeei Khaled. The exhibition will welcome all visitors until 5 September 2024.

Syrian artist Asaad Arabi‘s works, which oscillate between representation and abstraction, reflect his connection with his hometown, Damascus. Fascinated with cities and the spaces defining them, the artist examines the impact inhabitants have on the formation of culture in such settings.

Drawing inspiration from Arabic poetry, calligraphy, and Maqams, Syrian artist Akil Ahmad translates audio patterns into visual ones, simplifying Arabic letters into abstract forms. Through shape, colour, and overall art production, he portrays specific states: love, adversity, and struggle. Meanwhile, Riyadh-born artist Caleen Ladki, who resides in Beirut (Lebanon), takes cues from her surroundings. One of her latest series of works, All Eyes On You, reflects her view on the power and symbol of the “evil eye” in her environment and culture, exploring the range of emotions it can invoke.

Caleen Ladki, Untitled, 2022. Acrylic on canvas. 175.5 x 148 cm

Lebanese-Italian artist Gilbert Halaby‘s vivid paintings depict many states and scenes he witnesses daily, particularly in Rome, where he lives. Another theme central to Halaby’s work is home. As a child, he was fascinated by the beautiful landscape in Mount Lebanon, his birthplace, and it continues to serve as a source of inspiration for him.

In his work, Lebanese artist Hussein Baalbaki focuses on innovative reinterpretations of abstract expressionism. The thick application of medium in his paintings results in a textured surface that offsets the subtleness of a soft palette. Syrian artist Kusay Bader‘s acrylic works, which are characterised by a warm earthy colour palette, also boast a rich texture. They serve as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and the world of nature, urging viewers to reconsider their relationship with the environment.

Hussein Baalbaki, A JOYFUL DAY, TRIPTYCH, 2017
Hussein Baalbaki, A Joyful Day, Triptych, 2017. Oil on canvas. 150 x 295 cm

Egyptian artist Jamal Bassiouni is deeply interested in ancient Egyptian art and patterns. Using acrylics and pastels on paper, he creates symbolic pieces in which he delves into themes related to nature and history, including our relationship with nature and ourselves.

Syrian artist Noor Bahjat works from detailed sketches and self-portraits in an expressionist style with a primarily figurative subject matter. The artist’s atmospheric canvases are full of recurring symbols exploring the human form with attention to mundane moments in life. The portrayed figures are variations of herself, her thoughts, and her observation of others.

In his paintings and drawings, Palestinian-Syrian-Dutch artist Oussama Diab examines the contradictions and obstacles of political conflict, globalisation, and exile. To do so, he employs playful symbolism, historical citations, references to pop culture, iconic imagery, and narrative structures.

Lebanese artist Walid El Masri usually selects a subject and repeatedly studies it, exploring infinite variations in depth and space through abstract compositions. For example, his first series of paintings focused on a chair (Les Chaises, 2004-2011). The Cocoons series (2014-2017) was his response to the violence which broke out in Syria; in this series, El Masri used the metamorphosis of the butterfly to symbolically present Syria. The artist’s latest series of works is devoted to peacocks (2018-present).

Walid El Masri, Cocoon, 2016
Walid El Masri, Cocoon, 2016. Mixed media on canvas. 150 x 200 cm

Palestinian artist Wadeei Khaled‘s oil and watercolour paintings explore such themes as homeland, identity, belonging, and resilience. Drawing from his profound connection to the land, cultural heritage, and personal experiences, Khaled’s work traverses the confines of his narrative and reflects on broader political and cultural contexts.

To get more information about Recap: Group Exhibition, please visit its official web page.

Additionally, you might be interested in visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, so read our article about some must-see masterpieces which can be found there.