About the Exhibition
Artist: Akil Ahmed
Date: 9 June – 1 July 2022
Artist: Akil Ahmed
Date: 9 June – 1 July 2022
An exclusive on line exhibition on Artsy
Visible on the al markhiya gallery portal on Artsy
al markhiya gallery presents this special on line solo exhibition, “Constant Metaphor”, featuring works by Syrian artist, Akil Ahmed. In this series of paintings Ahmed works with a metaphor of rhythm, using with forms of sound, poetry, and music. In these compositions Ahmed aims to convey the feelings and emotions associated with music, seeking a sense of absolute balance between spontaneity and focus within the scope of the golden ratio.
“In my works I seek to present an image of Arabic letters, that conveys feeling and spiritual energy, so that the viewer does not see a clear text, or a specific image, but instead, evokes certain responses within the viewer. I wish to convey how Arabic calligraphy is really a spiritual state mixed with mysticism. I achieve this by developing graphic abstraction, employing shapes that rest on the surface of the canvas and communicate an abundance of feelings.”
Akil Ahmed (1988) graduated from the Faculty of Fine arts in Aleppo and currently lives in Beirut, Lebanon.
Ahmed’s passion for Arabic calligraphy began at a young age, and he has continued developing his interest in calligraphy through philosophical and intellectual means related to Arab and Islamic culture letters. Basing them on the Arabic musical ‘Maqams‘, he converts them from audio to optical. Ahmed explains, “When I hear a voice inside of me, I try to hold all these moments of ecstasy and invert them into a letter, a word, an optical language.” Akil searches for a modern visual language expression for the Arabic letter.
Akil Ahmed has participated in several exhibitions worldwide. His artworks can be found in private collections in Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the USA, Austria, Germany, Britain, and Ireland.
“Constant Metaphor” runs until 1 July 2022
Viewing room visible on Artsy at: