Artist portrays realities of 21st-century Arab world

The work of a well-known Arab artist now living in Canada is on display here. Iyad Almosawi, considered of growing importance among the new generation of Arab artists, is displaying his creations at the Exhibition Centre until December 29.

In his work, Almosawi reveals the realities of the Arab world. He tries to show that Arabs are no longer perceived in the West as living in Bedouin tents and riding camels. They are becoming the leaders, not the followers, of the new world.

To portray this reality in his art he has used images of people and villages, capturing the philosophy of the Arabs as they move forward in the 21st century, yet retaining their rich heritage.

Some of his work represents Arab architecture, with a great simplicity and profundity which is difficult to attain. He uses the strong contrasting colours often seen in Arab homes.

Almosawi has been described by Professor John Dishman, Fullbright scholar, as one artist emerging at a moment in history whom history, in return, will not forget. "The intensity of his work and the ease with which he can deliver to the viewer the understanding of the beauty of the Arab world is what makes him one of the key founders of this new group of Arab artists," Dishman said.

Born in Iraq, Almosawi grew up in Kuwait and studied art in Canada. He lived in Dubai for five years before settling in Canada. As a result, in some of his works he combines two inspirations - his Arab background and the colours of nature he sees in Canada.