Face paintings as portraits of the soul

Elements of transparency, mystery, spiritualism and mysticism make up the perspective that Syrian artist Sara Shamma depicts in her paintings.

“I am often asked about the message and the purpose of my work. Purity and clarity of mind come together in making a piece of art. That coded sense cannot be defined in words — it is just a group of sincere feelings.''

The paintings in the first exhibition of her works in Dubai reflect this subconscious experience.

In her growing-up years, Shamma says, art was her guide in figuring out what she wanted from life. Later on it helped her make the choice between the spiritual and the materialistic.

“I was able to overcome the materialistic — which represented impermanence and attachment with the body — and strengthen the spiritual or the permanent, which is the soul. I have tried to symbolise this in my work.''

Shamma, who was born in Damascus in 1975, began painting early in her childhood. When she was 4, her parents discovered her attachment to art.

They encouraged her and would let her choose what she wanted to study. “While that instilled a sense of confidence, it also provided a challenge that motivated me,'' the artist says.

Shamma enrolled in an art institute in Damascus in 1982, where she would study till 1995.

After graduating in fine arts from Damascus University in 1998, she returned to teach at the art institute where she had studied as a child. After five years, Shamma decided to take up painting full-time.

“Even as a child, I was fascinated by facial features, gestures and movements of the hands. When I studied these, I found that the same principles also applied to my face and hands.

"Subsequently, the mirror [as a representation of an image that is identical] was to become a source of inspiration,'' Shamma says.

Although she describes herself as “a Surrealist and an Expressionist'', Shamma has drawn inspiration from Dutch masters, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, and French painters such as the Impressionist Renoir.

The play of light in the works of these painters must have had an impact on the artist, for she made drawings and paintings in black and white for many years.

“I proved to be an expert on light and shadow. Later I moved to oils to fulfil my craving to express myself better.''

She believes oil colours have a life of their own and are perfect to bring out the textures that can accurately represent the objects painted, irrespective of their transparency, opacity or material.

Shamma says the works of the masters were lessons by themselves. “I have even made copies of the works to challenge myself and evaluate my level of creativity.''

Besides the great painters, music has had an abiding influence on her.

“Music creates the right atmosphere to prepare me psychologically and inspires me. My favourites are the blues, hard rock and Bob Dylan. But over the past seven years, listening to Sufi music has been a source of inspiration and a means to attain the state of mental purity from which all creativity springs.''

Mysticism and spiritualism have long captivated Shamma, who counts the mystical French artist George de La Tour as one of her favourites.

“I've always looked at afterlife — beyond the materialistic one lived on Earth — as the actual part of our existence. I seek the unknown and the untouchable and [dwell on] the unexplained circumstances that we go through, helplessly facing ups and downs.

"There must be a reason — and a good one at that — for what we encounter in the materialistic world. That coded message, which we receive once in a while, is unfortunately neglected or underestimated.

"I have an enormous passion for analysing and decoding such messages and, most importantly, learning [from them].

"That feeling is translated into my paintings. I believe in it and want it to be seen as part of my articulated vision.''

Shamma's engagement with inner life encourages her to find its clues in various forms.

“Expressions of the inner life on faces and hands inspire me. I am amazed by the eyes. They mirror the soul. It is easy to observe reactions of others in their eyes,'' she says.

“The eyes have a hidden world and I'm fascinated by that. I'll do whatever it takes to explore this facet in my paintings. I try to highlight their calmness, charm, cheer, tears, sadness and their mysterious language.''The mystical finds expression in Shamma's aspirations, too.

“I've always aimed at leaving my mark on the world. I appreciate that every day brings something unique to learn. In return I have to offer something from which others can learn,'' she says.

“I like to have a fruitful interaction with the universe. I also attempt to be a positive influence that brings joy and knowledge to my surroundings.''

To sum up her technique, the artist says: “I move the colours to the canvas and mix or separate them there. I stop only when the painting says: ‘I'm achieved.' I stop and never add an extra line or touch of paint.''

Sara Shamma's works are on display at an exhibition
organised by Art House Damascus at the Final Touch Academy in Knowledge Village, Dubai, until November 22.