Last night, the Arabic Cultural Club in Sharjah hosted an exhibition by artist Mustafa Saleh Abalsaid titled “Rhythms of Joy.” Accompanying the exhibition was a discussion in which the artist shared his experiences, followed by comments from Dr. Omar Abdul Aziz, the chairman of the club’s board of directors. The session was moderated by artist Taj Al-Sir Hassan, with the presence of Ali Al-Maghani, the club’s vice chairman.
The exhibition featured 23 medium-sized paintings infused with bright colors that express joy, skillfully intertwining in a beautiful rhythmic harmony that captivates the viewer’s eye. The works explore cubic and abstract wave forms represented in vivid hues, creating artistic moments that convey the depth of Mustafa Saleh Abalsaid’s 50 years of experience. Beginning his journey in Sudan within an artistic family that embraced poetry, painting, and music, Abalsaid later migrated to America in the early 1980s. His artistic journey deepened there, leading to numerous exhibitions, including those in Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Reflecting on his artistic experience, Abalsaid noted, “The art created by the artist consists of aesthetic fragments of life experiences,” shaped through his interactions with the external world. These experiences are collected and preserved within his subconscious, evolving into aesthetic sensations that he feels and lives. His lines and colors emerge as attempts to share these experiences with others. He added, “With my paintings, I aim to convey my perceived aesthetic experience with the visual and sensory world that unites us, inviting others to engage. I strive to eliminate the obscurity created by repetitive visions of this world, attempting to present it as pure, radiant, and joyful. Art is a meticulous quest to uncover beauty in nature, the universe, and humanity.”
Dr. Omar Abdul Aziz stated, “I observe a distinct artistic dialogue in Mustafa Saleh Abalsaid’s work, where the viewer perceives shadows of various art forms that have influenced the artist’s painting, enriching it with harmony and depth. There is a clear influence of musical art through repetition and color symmetry, which is a remarkable feature of the artist’s work, especially with the bright colors of joy. Additionally, elements of Arabic calligraphy are present, as the artist integrates abstract forms inspired by Arabic letters into his geometric compositions. This is particularly evident in his cubist approach. Furthermore, his artistic expression often arises from the interplay between contrasting elements, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves in the dramatic connotations.”
Dr. Omar Abdul Aziz further remarked that while Mustafa Abalsaid celebrates the uniqueness of his artistic synthesis, his roots in cubism are unmistakable.
