Al M Gallery recently showcased a stimulating new exhibition of Iraqi artist, Ghassan Muhsen whose works for Every Day Is A New Tale are distinctly powerful and moving. The metaphors of his expression are drawn from his multi-cultural experiences and travels. bazaar takes a look at his recent works that blur the line between past and present, facts and fantasies.
From New Delhi to New York, Ghassan Muhsen has created waves with his works of art. A career diplomat and a professional artist, Muhsen is widely known for his distinct and poetic sensibility towards identity and cross-cultural influences.
Discussing the title of his latest show, Every Day Is A New Tale, Muhsen says it was suggested by the curator and resonated with a remark made by a friend who said he saw a new birth in every piece.
A mixed-media artist, much of Muhsen’s oeuvre demonstrates his fascination with a utopian world. Each piece is suffused with floral motifs and calligraphy that provide an interesting dimension to his work, and draws the onlooker into its depths.
Through his extensive world travels, Muhsen absorbed many cultural and artistic influences that were to influence his works. “ I am always looking for inspiration and I find it everywhere, from exploring the streets of Bahrain or visiting the museums in New York,” notes the artist.
Having lived in Pakistan for nearly six years, this self-taught artist says he has been influenced by the traditional art of the Indian Sub-Continent. The countries and the people he has interacted with have left an indelible mark on his art, and that mirrors in Muhsen’s sensitive narrative. Muhsen’s use of warm colors and gold leaf conjure up something of Gustav Klimt’s abstractions in the visual dynamics of his works. “I admire Klimt a lot, but haven’t studied him or have followed his approach.”
Born in Nassiriyah, Iraq in 1945, Muhsen joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While on a diplomatic posting in New York in the 1970’s, Muhsen was influenced by New York’s vibrant cultural scene, and started painting.
Muhsen has been exhibiting regularly since 1989. His work can be found in public collections world-wide. Muhsen has to his credit over 21 solo exhibitions and 40 joint shows.
Muhsen moved to Bahrain on a diplomatic posting, and continues to live there after his retirement in 2010 as an ambassador, and now wants to be known as a painter only. This internationally acclaimed artist is a lover of music, he plays the flute and is an avid gardener.
Look out for other exhibitions at Al M Gallery. This new artspace is located in Salhia Complex, Kuwait City. For more information, please visit www.al-m-gallery.com.
