25th Alexandria Bienniale for Mediterranean Countries
Alexandria, Egypt
17 December, 2009 - 31 January, 2010Press Release
Exhibiting Artists: Khaled Takreti, Thaier Helal, Ammar Al-Beik.
From 17/12/2009 till 31/01/2010
At the Alexandria Art Museum
The Alexandria breeze: (Please check down below for text download)
The participation of the Syrian art in the Alexandria Biennale this year is seeking to make up for the deficiency in covering the Syrian painting. Moreover, it tries to outline the new generations and developments in the Syrian art, which succeeded to strengthen its position efficiently during the past years.
A glance at the visual art scene in Syria reveals a contemporary movement, which perhaps reflects today, more than any other type of art, an incomparable radiance and an interaction between the different generations and trends, be it traditional or modern.
In spite of the young age of visual arts in Syria –The first experiments developed in the beginning of the 20 century- it has built a reputation and a presence for itself. It was inevitable, however, that it would go through several necessary phases, from early experiments that imitate and copy to classical and academic experiences, sometimes in line with ideological voices, that emerged from a long struggle for identity and self-assertion versus the other, the thing which drove the painting, in a lot of cases to praising the aesthetics of the Arabic heritage.
However, it was inevitable for the Syrian painting to stand in parallel with its reality, or rather relate to it. It was essential for it to become contemporary and modern, for it is no longer the sibling of the ancient walled alleys, or the far pleasant countryside, but it opened up to the winds of culture, and artists were able to dive into the heart of the stream, or rather in the middle of the many conflicting currents. It has become possible for Fateh al- Moudarres, while maintaining his Syrian spirit, to be open as well to the European art schools, the same goes for Louay Kayyali, Mahmoud Hammad, Asaad Arabi, Nazir Naba, Abdullah Murad, Youssef Abdelke and Safwan Dahoul among others. Those who were able to carve out a path for themselves that is hard for others to follow.
It was no surprise that all art movements and trends were present in the course of Syrian painting, backed up by the European visual memory, the academic one and the modern, in addition, of course, to the Egyptian visual memory, for a lot of artists continued their studies in Egypt, before the establishment of an academy for arts in Damascus. It goes without saying that this history and accumulation would reach a new generation that is more responsive and associative with what can be called "now and here", with all its contemporary and modern nature and its affiliation with the spirit of the age. We chose three artists of this generation, to show an example and a model that presents a generation, and not an exception of it.
However, this rising art movement didn't always find its right path to the position it deserved in the world. Here came the need for an establishment that would plan, look after, expand, proclaim and market the artist, so that he wouldn't need to put his brush, colors and tools aside to make a living. Moreover, the rising interest of the west and major art enthusiasts in the Middle Eastern art was another advantageous circumstance that helped a lot. It is then that galleries were established and embraced the role of the institution that would act as a mediator between the painting and the receiver, be it a collector, an art institution or a passing visitor. This is how a number of galleries were established, the most prominent of which is Ayyam gallery that motivated the establishment of other galleries as well.
Ayyam gallery has worked, since its establishment, as if it were a cultural foundation and not only a gallery, bearing a heavy load that is hard to carry alone even for a foundation. Ayyam strived, with modesty, to promote a single motto, which is: putting Syrian art in its just place and status, nothing less than that, and without any pretention or illusion.
To achieve this, the gallery made big efforts and laid the foundations needed on various levels, such as putting Syrian art in its right place, such as international auctions, art fairs and private collections.
It is a great honor and pleasure for Syrian art in general, to take part in the Alexandria biennale today, in the festival of this ancient city. It is great to be here today on Alexandria's shore. We don't consider it another shore. Rather, we consider it the continuation of the same shore we are standing on together in this side of the Mediterranean. We have chosen three bright names from the many Syrian artists: Khaled Takreti, Thaier Helal and Ammar Al Beik in an attempt to show different styles and trends, ranging from realism to abstract and creative photography.
Selected Works
TH33 Thaier HELAL 'Heaven' 140 x 180 cm Mixed Media on Canvas 2008
AB28 Ammar AL-BEIK 'Basic Instinct' 110 x 140 cm Series of 7 C-Print Plexi frame 2008
KT46 Khaled TAKRETI 'La Dentelle' 180 X 180 cm. Acrylic on Canvas 2009