BASSIM AL SHAKER - Symphony of Death (3), 2020, oil on canvas, 59 x 79 in.
Untameable Magic: Allegories of Nature & Culture
January 29 - March 6, 2021
January 29 - March 6, 2021
Bassim Al Shaker is an Iraqi artist and United States citizen. Bassim was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, during a period of political conflict and humanitarian torment. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Baghdad College of Fine Arts, where the primary focus of his studies was on cultivating his drawing and painting skills using an academic technique. His style is the culmination of a background in academic drawing and painting techniques and a pursuit of exploration in creating contemporary art. Bassim is continuing to work toward his goal of further self-discovery and development of his artistic style during his completion of the Master of Fine Arts program at SAIC.
Bassim’s current focus is an attempt to capture an analysis of human nature as well as a revolt against corruption, humanitarian injustice, and inequality, using a combination of figures and abstraction. His goal is to express a freedom of opinion, feelings, and senses, and to convey a sense of the forces that try to diminish the human right of freedom. The subjects depicted in Bassim’s work reflect a mixture of contemporary civilian struggles and themes with roots in ancient Arab culture.
The paintings included in the Untamable Magic exhibit represent a series titled Symphony of Death. The series is a satirical commentary on the presence of corruption in religion and politics, and how such corruption can pervade cultures throughout the world, even where it is veiled by patriotism and spiritual devotion.
Bassim’s current focus is an attempt to capture an analysis of human nature as well as a revolt against corruption, humanitarian injustice, and inequality, using a combination of figures and abstraction. His goal is to express a freedom of opinion, feelings, and senses, and to convey a sense of the forces that try to diminish the human right of freedom. The subjects depicted in Bassim’s work reflect a mixture of contemporary civilian struggles and themes with roots in ancient Arab culture.
The paintings included in the Untamable Magic exhibit represent a series titled Symphony of Death. The series is a satirical commentary on the presence of corruption in religion and politics, and how such corruption can pervade cultures throughout the world, even where it is veiled by patriotism and spiritual devotion.
