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Travelling exhibition depicts Islamic art and culture

Zaki Al-Obaidi is an artists' representative. He represents the works of more than 50 Arabian artists and carries their works of art all over the world. He is currently in Dubai with the works of five artists who represent different styles of art. The exhibition is on at BurJuman Centre until today, after which it goes on display at Wafi City, Royal Mirage Hotel, and Town Center.

Zaki organises exhibitions all over the world. "I have travelled with this exhibition to Europe, the Far East and the Middle East. People in these countries are very receptive to the Middle Eastern form of art." The current exhibition, which is travelling all over the world, carries the "Message of Love and Peace from the Arabian artists to the rest of the world".

In every country there has been an auction of some of the paintings, with the money being donated to Unicef. Zaki believes that his exhibitions are a window for all artists all over Arabia. "I want people all over the world to look through this window and see how capable and talented the artists of the Middle East are".

Impressionism, abstract and realistic oil paintings have been depicted by the artists Mutee Al Jumaily, Ali Ghani, Hani Al Dallah, Fadhel Al Dabbagh and Al Kassim. Their paintings mainly represent Arabian history, culture and the way of living.

"This exhibition sees their passion as calligraphers come to the front. They have gone beyond the classical type of work. Each one has a unique technique and has used mixed media to create a different effect," comments Zaki.

Ali Ghani's work is dominated by the extensive use of gold colour. "He was the son of a goldsmith, and this influence can be seen in his work," says Zaki. His style of letters and words is heavily influenced by Arabian history and the Arabic way of writing.

He is productive in a variety of his own techniques and his work has a three-dimensional look and feel. He applies the paint in short, long, rough and smooth ways making rich variety of letter forms and word texture.

He is considered one of the best calligraphers and has created a very unique technique. He has given the Arabic letter a three dimensional look.

Mutee Al Jumaily is an Iraqi artist. He graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts, Baghdad, and has participated in the International exhibition in the UAE. A collection of his work is displayed at galleries in Europe, the U.S., the Middle East and Japan.

He mainly uses the oil medium and represents Islamic art by deftly using calligraphy to his advantage. His technique brings us into closer contact with his drawing as intended in every angle and part of his paintings.

"He carved in stone for several years and later turned to paintings exclusively," adds Zaki. His work and the symbols he uses is executed in a way that can look naïve, but, in fact, it is carefully constructed to express his ideas. He believes his work is meeting the tradition of the ancient history of Iraq and Islam.

"The title of his paintings comes from one of the streets of old Babylon, using symbols that are carved in the walls of the hanging gardens, one of the seven wonders of the world from the old civilisation of Mesopotamia. His paintings reflect life and his great belief in Islam," points out Zaki.

Fadhel Al Dabbagh is an impressionist who uses calligraphy and is an artist who has been greatly influenced by Islamic history. He graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts, Baghdad, and a collection of his work is displayed at galleries in Europe, the U.S., the Middle East and Japan.

Fadhel's principal aim is to capture the floating effect of the colours caused by the play of the rainbow light and the shades of the open air. He is, in every sense of the word, an impressionist, as his theme has always been to represent his faith to Islam.

"What interests me the most is nothing else but what Islam brought to the people and what humans left behind since the appearance of Islam," he says. He is good at expressing the most religious feeling towards Islam and the lifestyle of Muslims.

His striking paintings are those of joy and exhilaration, communicating dramatic forms of colour and nature's creation. It is perfectly balanced and extraordinarily intense.

Hani Al-Dallah also belongs to the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad. His unique technique has made him a very well-known artist all over the region and most of the Islamic countries or wherever he has exhibited his work.

"He developed his own highly individual style and technique using a mixture of oil paint made by him, the content of which is highly confidential," divulges Zaki. He adopted strict subject matters with Islamic art, which allowed him to express his beliefs in Islam, seeking to draw and turn attention to those who have little idea about Islamic art. He firmly believes that art should educate the public and give expression to their ideals and beliefs in life.

Kassim Ali studied painting under the supervision of Iraq's pioneering artist Faeak Hassan. He has participated in Al Wasiti Festival in Baghdad. In his art work Kassim tries to explain the deepest feelings of love, discover wonders and explore facts.

Kassim's talent gives him a special place among the newer artists because he has the ability to deal with colours with sensitivity and spontaniety. His paintings represent the world of horses, a world which is always shining and hopeful. The details of his subject appear as if they are united and drawn by magic.