Project Description

Fateh Moudarres (1922-1999) is widely considered to be one of Syria and the Arab
world’s seminal modernists. The bold singularity of his representational language
was engaged with mythology, religion and popular lore as well as his deep political
engagement. A stubborn iconoclast and tireless insurgent, he was a pivotal figure
for generations of artists in Syria, he said of his style: «It looks childish, but it is
not childish. In my paintings one can see, how much I love human beings, in my art
I stand near them, when the power of fate and oppressive structures beset them.»
In addition to visual arts, Moudarres was also a poet and writer. The exhibition
includes paintings that mark a milestone in his practice, dating back to the 1960s,
especially 1967 – the year of the defeat of the Arab armies in the war with Israel. The
series of drawings include his infamous portrait of internationally-acclaimed Syrian
poet Adonis who was a close accomplice of Moudarres. They underline at once the
irreverent versatility of his talent and the coherence of his language.
Presented by Atassi Gallery, Damascus, Syria

2011