Hazem Taha Hussein, Karim Al Arayes 2012. Abstract Figures Mixed Media on Canvas, 80 x 120 cm in Abstract Figures Behind Islamic Patterns. Image courtesy of Al Masar Gallery of Contemporary Art

ARTS & REVIEW

Hazem Taha Hussein’s paintings of abstract figures behind Islamic patterns engage viewers in a dialogue about how Western art influenced modern Egyptian art.

BY KAZAD

Viewing Abstract Figures Behind Islamic Patterns

CAIRO, EGYPT— Presently at the Al Masar Gallery of Contemporary Art is The Mirage II by artist Hazem Taha Hussein. Hussein is one of the foremost Egyptian artists, and his works reflect modern Egyptian art. Born in Giza, Egypt in 1961, Hussein is an Associate Professor of visual communication design at the Faculty of Applied Arts at Helwan University. The Mirage II showcases the artist’s new collection. Hussein is an internationally recognized artist and his works have been shown in museums and galleries across the globe.

Hazem Taha is well-known for his unique composition technique. He builds his work by overlaying Islamic patterns or motifs in the background to obscure or hide his abstract figures. Taha starts with the painting or drawing of figures, faces, or angels, and then covers them with paint, followed by plain areas. He finishes the work by superimposing over the entire surface, repeated and interlacing Muslim patterns or ornaments that he loves.

The result is an optical illusion similar to a photograph. It shows a profile that is never motionless before the eyes but constantly appears and disappears. Taha patterns superimposed on the figures create a sense of fluidity, movement, and change. The last layer with its repeated patterns is the most interesting. It resembles the repeated patterns typically found in Mosques forcing the spectator to stare at one point in time. This view is fluid and will change at different times and different states of emotions, leaving the viewer to endless interpretations and different perceptions, each time uncovering something new.

Abstract Figures in Egyptian Art

Hazem Taha’s works are a reflection of modern Egyptian art that blends Western artistic tradition with  Egyptian culture.  Hazem Taha,  who can be considered a neo-expressionist painter, has succeeded in combining western and eastern elements in his paintings to produce forms for the spectator to interact with and to relate to, thus evoking some visual dialogue. The works involve the spectator in a dialogue questioning the meaning rather than the perennial appeal.

An Egyptian critic describes  Hazem Taha thus:

In Hazem Taha Hussein’s work we can recognize writings, symbols with issues regarding politics, society, and humanism that would generally remind us of our childhood and culture. Also, we see symbols and icons from the streets, in our houses, schools, characters, and books that appear to record moments and important incidents of our lives. His visual language reflects the extent of his interest in the relationship between the East and the West in many aspects.

Development of Egyptian Art

Hazem Taha’s works show the development of Egyptian art. As a foremost Egyptian artist, Hazem Taha continues to influence modern Egyptian art. By combining Western artistic tradition with Egyptian elements, Hazem Taha has inserted his work into global art discourse. In his works, we see Muslim calligraphy, Islamic patterns, and Muslim art rendered in the expressionist tradition. Behind the Mirage in his artworks, there is a dialogue between the East and West.

Abstract Figures Behind Islamic Patterns. A view of The Mirage II, on through December 3, 2013, at the Al Masar Gallery of Contemporary Art, Baehler’sMansion 157 b. 26 July St., Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt

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Abstract Figures Behind Islamic Patterns. A view of The Mirage brings to the fore how Western art  influenced Egyptian art What do you the influences? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment.