Lot 536: Khaled Al-Saai , Syrian B. 1970 Samarkand acrylic on canvas

signed and dated 2006 acrylic on canvas

measurements note 101.5 by 145cm.; 40 by 57 1/8 in.

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Khaled al-Saai's innovative approach to calligraphy rests in his desire to produce original work, he does not content himself with the reproduction of works in a traditional style. He devoted a significant part of his life to the theoretical investigation of the Arabic language. Taking an experimental and theoretical approach, he concerned himself with the symbolic, formal, musical and religious origins of the letters and their script forms. In the process he became aware that he "could treat the letters as one would treat living beings which are receptive and capable of entering into dialogue and taking an influence" and that he had begun to "incorporate his personality into his letters." Arabic calligraphy became a means of lending expression to feelings, thoughts and sensations. For Al-Saai calligraphy has proven to be a method by which he can express himself unrestricted by the meanings of words. Khaled Al-Saai has travelled the U.S., Europe, the Far East and the majority of the Arab world. His works not only record impressions of his journeys, atmospheric images of landscapes such as Sharjah where he lives, or more distant places like Barcelona, Paris, Michigan or Samarkand, but also sensations and fears evoked by current situations such as the one in Iraq. His works can be conceived of as a kind of personal diary. They are complex compositions in which every detail has been executed in a certain calligraphic style and incorporated as a means of emphasizing a certain mood. To this end he also uses special paints that he produces himself.