TAKREEM
Foundation 2022 Cultural Excellence laureate and Oud Master Naseer Shamma, 61,
has unveiled his inaugural art exhibition, titled Half Life, at the Etihad
Modern Art Gallery. The exhibition includes more than 70 paintings,
illustrating a comprehensive visual narrative of Shamma's artistic evolution
spanning four decades. He delivered an oud performance at the opening, which
was held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of
Tolerance and Coexistence, along with other VIP attendees. Speaking to The
National, Shamma describes his approach to art as driven by a set of motivating
factors. Among them is his concern for humanity, especially those enduring
famine, war and natural disasters, navigating the dialectics of abundance and
scarcity. This stems from his role as a musician and a Unesco Artist for Peace.
The scenes capture a spectrum of emotions in volcanic, fiery tones akin to
mountainous tragedies and the aftermath of fires and ruins. Another painting
blends sandy hues with vibrant turquoise, evoking desert warmth and serene
skies. Layers of colour create a textured, multidimensional effect, inviting viewers
to explore depth and movement within the artwork. Other pieces feature vibrant
spring flowers, infusing Shamma's collection with natural beauty, renewal and
hope. "Within each maqam (musical scale) lie vocal degrees, each
resonating with a corresponding colour. Though one may perceive the painting as
purple, blue, green or yellow, it embodies a myriad of hues, akin to the
diversity of musical notes. For example, I asked myself which colour
corresponds to the doe note in the musical scale? Or if the doe note is with a
minor or major, what implications would arise?" Shamma says, describing
his creative process. His passion for art goes back to the 1980s, originating
in Baghdad and continuing throughout his life in Tunisia, Jordan and Egypt. "Currently,
I have over 120 paintings in Egypt, all carefully wrapped and hidden.
Initially, I created these artworks solely for my personal enjoyment, unaware
of their potential beyond myself. It was only when friends, particularly those
well-versed in painting, and gallery owners encountered my pieces in my office
that they recognised their significance," he says. "I use acrylic on
canvas and an unexpected ingredient, the sawdust of the oud, repurposing the
material, instead of disposing sawdust generated during the manufacturing
process. We recycle it by infusing it with colours and other mixtures,
transforming it into a textured, three-dimensional element within my
artwork." Shamma's creativity has been a prominent part of his life. Aged
five, he was already dreaming of playing the oud, and his interest in the
visual arts came after. For one of the world's premier players of the oud
instrument, Shamma sees art and music transcending mere entertainment, serving
instead as essential channels for navigating life's complexities. Naseer
Shamma's Half Life is on display at the Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi
until March 8.
For the
full article: https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/art-design/2024/02/11/naseer-shamma-art-exhibition-half-life/