Syrian artist Nihad Al Turk's solo exhibition “Daily Myths” opens May 5 2011 at Ayyam Gallery Beirut. Expanding the symbolist themes that dominated his previous canvases, Al Turk builds upon a complex system of symbols and imagery, one that is driven by anthropomorphic representations that speak of the inherent flaws of mankind.
Maintaining a philosophical standpoint, he frequently makes misshapen, unidentifiable characters or objects the focus of his compositions. With a cool palette of soft tones, Al Turk’s wraithlike paintings often offer meditations on the still-life form as comments on the state of humanity. Injecting these images with fervent allegory, they speak of a world where betrayal and isolation stand in contrast to life-sustaining elements such as fruit. These subjects reappear from one composition to another, reinstating their relevance as though suggesting the presence of a plagued existence.
In his latest canvases, the artist’s monster-like, unidentifiable subjects reemerge, this time with a more menacing appearance. Yet these recent works revolve around a different image—that of a robust tree. Perhaps it is the tree of life, presenting a more optimistic view of man, although in some instances its shape is reminiscent of a nuclear mushroom cloud, its top-heavy outline mirroring his distorted figures.
Vernissage: May 5 at 7pm
Exhibition Dates: May 5 – June 30, 10 am to 8 pm
