Lot 94: Mustafa Fathi (Syrian, 1942-2009)

Mustafa Fathi (Syrian, 1942-2009)
Untitled
ink and oil on cotton fabric
45¾ x 63½in. (116 x 161.5cm.)

Mustafa Fathi's works are mainly produced using stamps, similar to those used in Bedouin tribal societies in Syria. In his search for authenticity, the artist developed a fascination in these, which he perceived as tools of creation. The present work is unusual as it is not comprised of stamped marks, but painted shapes. Unconsciously the stamping process became part of Fathi's identity as a painter, so that his painted mark resembled those of his stamps.
Fathi said: "I derive my inspiration from shapes. Shape has taken a long journey until it took its final configuration. Tools are a form of human thought. They are the trace of the human being. They are human being themselves. I like a tool and it always captures my attention, not because it is a scene, but because it is a living thought. Paintings, on the other hand, are an accumulation of the images and shapes of tools and stones in my head." As for the relationship between shapes and space he said: "I like shapes to be relaxed."