Nawar Shartouh’s first solo show in Dubai ‘Transparent’ opened its doors to the public on 24 November at Urbanist Art Gallery. The show is ongoing until 6 December 2024.
Encountering ‘Transparent’ as an art show captivated my attention. Nawar Shartouh presents never-seen-before works of art that he started upon his move to Dubai in 2021. He brings to the audience a sensitivity and translucency in emotions expressed through his rigorous technique, fed by his graphics background. By focusing on the human as a being capable of infinite emotions, he creates characters that imbue his message; the importance of authenticity and humanity.
Nawar graduated in 2018 from the University of Damascus, Faculty of Fine Arts with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphics, specializing in Printmaking. Indeed, he brings his technical skills in printmaking and silkscreen into his painting process. Since then, he has exhibited in Syria, Jordan, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, participating even in the long-awaited Dubai Expo of 2022, in addition to the very prestigious DIFC Art Nights. In 2024 alone, he has participated in two group shows; Azad Gallery in Cairo and Totem Exhibition at Khawla Art Gallery in Dubai. The current show at Urbanist Art Gallery is his first solo show in the UAE.
Nawar moved from Syria to Dubai in 2021. It’s actually Nawar’s background in Printmaking that inspires his black & white and sepia tones in painting. There is a noticeable trend towards abstraction in Nawar’s work upon his move to the UAE, and he cites the influence of the Emirati culture and environment as a main factor. “As I travelled, my work evolved,” he explains.
The subject of Nawar’s work has always been the human; his/her internal makeup, psychological dimensions and complex emotions. In this show, he investigates on a deep and psychic level the internal makeups of his characters, which are, in fact, not gendered.
If the human is centripetal to humanity, then why in the 21st century is there still so much violence, destruction and destitution? So much has evolved in the modern era, and yet these injustices still take place. “Asking these questions is part of my research process, which, I insist is not a critical process,” Nawar explains.
The show includes two different styles, which the artist worked on alternately and simultaneously. The sepia-set figures with etched details [like ‘Hidden Dreams’, ‘From Me to You’, and ‘Transparent’] contrast with the more Expressionist, black brushstrokes with purple accents [such as ‘A Violet Moment in Time’, ‘Jandal’ and ‘The Baik’].
In the piece ‘Everlasting’, the character of the Mother is represented; she is always there throughout the different phases of her child’s life. Another piece, titled ‘Jandal’ refers to a common name in the Syrian suburbs; to the artist, the Jandal is the mischievous one, he who educates himself about life from experiences and encounters. By contrasting the Jandal character with the delicate purple flower, he is bringing attention to the emotional aspect of the Jandal that is often overlooked when examining such a character. ‘A Voilet Moment in Time’ is about two lovers exchanging flowers at sunset.
I note that the characters may be either male or female by definition, yet are genderless in their facial features and expressions. The artist clarifies; “The primary focus of my painting is humanity itself; I make no distinction between male and female, as I don’t believe those differences are essential. What matters most is how the art speaks to the viewer. While art collectors may observe and easily identify whether a subject is male or female, my intention lies in capturing the essence of being human, rather than emphasizing gender distinctions.”
The primary focus of my painting is humanity itself. What matters most is how the art speaks to the viewer.
Nawar Shartouh, visual artist
‘Levitating Strife’ truly captivated me, as the character seems to ascend to a new height of spiritual existence. The artist explains that this character embodies the essence of contrast: the sharpness and strength of an arrow, capable of killing, is juxtaposed with the delicate simplicity of a butterfly resting on its tip. This duality highlights both power and fragility. And what about the symbolism of the light from above? “The light represents a phenomenon of salvation—it symbolizes knowledge and truth. When a person is touched by this light, they are set on a journey toward enlightenment.”
Transparency, in this context, represents the simplicity of emotions. In a way, I’m trying to be as transparent as possible.
Nawar Shartouh, visual artist
These deep, hidden meanings come to life in the artist’s paintings thanks to his mastery of technique. While the brushstrokes can be instinctive, meditative even, the artist works in layers; he often etches on the canvas itself. His background in silkscreen comes into play here as well, as the practice includes a mechanical component. Through working and re-working the canvas, the artist creates details that bring poetry to the overall effect of the painting.
I am curious to learn as to why the show is titled ‘Transparent’; I note that one of the paintings holds the same title.
“‘Transparent’ in its physical sense, can be translated through technique. The method I use with the lines adds one layer over another, allowing the forms to gradually appear in the background. Transparency, in this context, represents the simplicity of emotions. In a way, I’m trying to be as transparent as possible with the thoughts and questions that swirl in our minds; those things we often lack the courage to say out loud.” In other words, transparency is an effort to be authentic in one’s message, in being true to one’s self.
Nawar Shartouh’s solo show ‘Transparent’ is on display at Urbanist Art Gallery until Friday 6 December. Make sure to pass by and see the show!
The Gallery is located at Box Park Al Wasl Road in Dubai.
Follow the artist Nawar Shartouh on Instagram here.
Follow Urbanist Art Gallery on Instagram here.
Follow the author Maie El-Hage on Instagram here.
