An abstract expressionist painting by Fayez Barakat, one of the works honoring Jackson Pollock in Homage to Jackson Pollock. Image: Artist

Honoring Jackson Pollock is a major commitment for Fayez Barakat. In his new works, the artist continues the aspiration of the famous member of the abstract expressionist movement.

BY KAZAD

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – In 20th-century art, Jackson Pollock stands out as one of the most innovative painters. From his early figurative paintings to the later dripping techniques, Pollock was adventurous. A major figure in the abstract expression movement, he was a restless soul always in search of new ways to express his creativity. With his achievement, it is not surprising that Jackson Pollock continues to be a major influence and source of inspiration for artists more than three decades after his death.

Fayez Barakat is one of the artists who continue to be influenced by Jackson Pollock. In his recent art exhibition Homage to Jackson Pollock, Barakat celebrates Pollock as a major source of inspiration for his new artworks. The exhibition includes paintings in Jackson Pollock’s drip technique. The colorful paintings accentuate the complexity of the techniques used by the 20th-century master. 

Fayez Barakat’s devotion to the old master highlights his desire to carry on his unfinished work. As he explained, “no artist lived long enough to realize, or complete, the works that they dreamt of to their own satisfaction.” Consequently, the artist makes effort to advance the intentions of art masters before him.

Barakat continues in Pollock’s footsteps by studying his work, style, and technique. He eventually creates his own works with that knowledge. Despite the influence of the famous master, Barakat’s paintings are unique. His color application, the dripping of paints, and the general aesthetics of his painting are uniquely his. Barakat’s approach to painting speaks to his training and desire to continue manifesting the ideas of Jackson Pollock. In one of the works, for instance, the artist takes abstract expressionism further to achieve a confluence of other artistic traditions.

Honoring Old Masters Accomplishment and Style

A major fascination for Fayez Barakat is the aesthetics inherent in the works of old masters. That was what first attracted him to the works of Jackson Pollock.  “My entire life has been dedicated to the pursuit of beauty along with its understanding and creation. As an artist, I derive my inspiration from the Masters and have dedicated a series of works paying homage to their artistic genius,”  he said.

Beyond beauty, however, the creative ingenuity of famous art masters like Jackson Pollock, their accomplishments, and techniques drive Barakat’s desires to continue their work. He notes that “I have not only appreciated the ingenuity of their creations but have been mesmerized by their accomplishments and the complexity of the techniques used in the final result of their works.”

Although Barakat appreciates the works of many famous masters, not all of them appeal to him. He is very selective in the old masters he follows and whose works he emulates.  Barakat chooses only the famous artists whose works appeal to him the most. He likens his relationship with past artistic traditions to the connection between human cells. “As the saying goes – “there’s nothing new under the sun” – I believe that we are nothing but a cell in the body of God. I believe that we all are connected within that body.”

Aesthetics and the achievements of old masters continue to impel Fayez Barakat’s passion to further their art adventure. Therefore, he continues to follow in their paths, creating works that are reminders of their artistic achievement. After Jackson Pollock, Barakat intends to continue following the path of other famous artists and old masters he admires in his effort to continue their work.

Artists have been honoring Jackson Pollock for many years because of his contribution to 20th-century art. What is your favorite by the famous abstract expressionist? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment.