Art: Speaking through shadows

Abu Dhabi: Bassam Al Selawi lives in the shadows — literally.

The Jordanian artist uses shadows to convey meanings behind sculptures. “It is all about making a sculpture, its shadow reflecting the meaning and essence of the sculpture itself.

“For example, my sculptures are either Quranic verses, Arabic calligraphy or a picture. The shadow that is created from these sculptures is totally different and carries images that depict the meaning of the sculpture.”

Al Selawi, a graduate in ceramic sculpture from Yanouk University in Jordan along with his talented wife Maysoon Masalha has created over 80 shadow art sculptures. He is now bringing this unique art form to Abu Dhabi’s Art Hub gallery. Works of various other artists are also showcased at the gallery in Mussafah.

A romantic piece titled ‘Dreaming of You’ (Dh2,900) by Al Selawi holds pride of place in the display.

“If you see the sculpture, it is of a woman lying on her back, but the shadow cast from this sculpture is that of a woman and a man embracing each other. Both are totally different and in effect, the shadow that is reflected of the woman (in the sculpture) is actually her thoughts as she is lying down.

“That is shadow art for you,” said Al Selawi.

Ahmad Al Wafei, Founder and Owner of Art Hub, said: “What is most powerful about this piece is the way the sculptures and their respective shadows interrelate, creating a visual narrative in a four dimensional way.”

The shadow effect on a sculpture of a Quranic verse ‘Alhamdulillah’ – (all praise be to Allah - Dh2,600). shows a man sitting down and saying a dua or a prayer to Allah. “When we say these words, the image that comes to our mind is depicted in the shadow that you see here,” said Al Selawi.

Among the exhibits is a sculpture depicting Jordan’s magnificent Wadi Rum valley. “Wadi Rum (Dh2,200) is an ancient trade route. The sculpture is the word Wadi Rum in Arabic. But the shadow that is reflected shows you Middle Eastern Bedouins riding on camels.

light and effect

“Shadow art is all about adjusting the light on the sculpture to get the desired shadow effect,” said Al Selawi.

Another memorable piece is Subhana Rabbi El Al’aa. ‘When translated, Subhana Rabbi El Al’aa (Dh2,200) means ‘Greatness is to Allah the Highest’. The sculpture is the written word in Arabic and the shadow shows a man prostrating in prayer.

“When we say this word, this is the image we get.”

So what is the magic behind the play of light and shadow that Al Selawi uses to convey messages and meanings through his works? “I always think about the shadow I want to create first and then work around the sculpture. The sculpture is usually a four dimensional representation and its height, length and depth are all based on the kind of shadow effect you want to create. Today, with technological advancement, there is software which helps you with the dimensions,” he said.

To show us how it works he points to a piece he is currently working on. “It is still in the initial stages and what you see is a mould of the sculpture.”

A light fixed next to the sculpture already reflects the shadow. “This is quite a unique piece as the sculpture is that of a couple – a man and a woman. But if you see the shadow closely, the man’s face on the sculpture actually creates the woman’s shadow and vice versa.”

Those who want to know more about the artist and his work can contact Art Hub on 02 677 3111.