Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Hamed AbdallaAl Taslim, Capitulation1977
1977
$53,147.51
£40,011.95
€45,000
CA$73,214.21
A$81,995.29
CHF 42,783.80
MX$1,001,537.26
NOK 544,334.45
SEK 513,100.45
DKK 342,546.09
About the Item
Since the 1940s, the Egyptian painter Hamed Abdalla is not only a visionary pioneer of modern art for the global south and Arab countries; he is also one of the first of his generation to envision painting as political art and activism. The current display focuses on a specific time of defeat and disillusion for a whole generation of Arab artists and intellectuals, in the aftermath of the “Six Days War” led by Israel and their allies (a war title which a lot of Arab activists consider propagandist, preferring to call it “The Defeat of 1967” or simply the “June 1967 War”). This persistent ideological wound became the symbol of failed dreams for the “Arab Nation” or Arab states alliances – including the short but emblematic Egyptian-Syrian achievement of the United Arab Republic.
Another major failure, to which Abdalla will respond through the paintings on display here, is the Egyptian President Anwar Sadat program of “opening up” (Infitah) the Egyptian economy and give way to political compromise with the US and Israel – Abdalla assimilating this period to a vast state of Coma for all Arab people and territories.
In a collective statement by a group of Egyptian artists exiled in Paris (including Abdalla), published in the Egyptian local journal Al-Dustur, on 5 December 1977, one can read: “This disaster is far greater than the defeat of June 1967. Rather, it approaches the scale of the disaster that took place in 1948 (…) To destroy the Arab people’s noble three decades-long struggle against imperialism and Zionism (…) Sadat is exploiting the stifling economic crisis that Egypt is currently facing (…) We must resist this betrayal of our nation or be crushed under the wheels of global imperialism for generations to come.”
The works presented here reflect Abdalla’s transformation of the Hurrufiyyah aesthetics, to achieve his own way of “Arab Letterism”. It claims for a deeply experimental, non-decorative, politically committed and non-commercial use of the Arabic letter in plastic arts. It culminated with his concept of the “creative word”, which merges the word and the image, the figurative and the abstract, the secular and the sacred. Looking at these denunciative mottos (“Coma”, “Retardation”, “Capitulation”, “Rise up” …) that give birth to bodily postures and emotions (a body kneeling down or a body rising up), this existential question emerges: is one born or does one become an Arab?
About the Seller
No Reviews Yet
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2023
6 sales on 1stDibs
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Beirut, Lebanon
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAbstract Strokes
Located in PARIS, FR
George Merheb was born in 1960. He obtained a Master’s degree in Drawing and Painting from the Lebanese University of Beirut, Lebanon. Merheb completed a number of specialized course...
Category
2010s Abstract Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media
Untitled
Located in PARIS, FR
George Merheb was born in Lebanon in 1960 where he currently works and resides. He obtained a Master’s degree in Drawing and Painting from the Lebanese University of Beirut, Lebanon....
Category
2010s Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Mixed Media
$5,500
Untitled
Located in PARIS, FR
George Merheb was born in Lebanon in 1960 where he currently works and resides. He obtained a Master’s degree in Drawing and Painting from the Lebanese University of Beirut, Lebanon....
Category
2010s Abstract Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media
$12,000
Untitled
Located in PARIS, FR
George Merheb was born in Lebanon in 1960 where he currently works and resides. He obtained a Master’s degree in Drawing and Painting from the Lebanese University of Beirut, Lebanon....
Category
2010s Abstract Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media
Untitled
Located in PARIS, FR
Salamoun describes herself as a dedicated observer of human evolution and the ever-shifting tides of change. Fueled by her profound fascination with the human experience and her pass...
Category
2010s Figurative Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
$12,000
It is about freedom of speech
Located in PARIS, FR
For George Merheb, writing and drawing have mixed destinies.
The lines build illegible words in a stunning mix of lines and curves.
Indecipherable words build ambiguous ideas and una...
Category
2010s Abstract Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media
You May Also Like
Untitled
By Gilad Efrat
Located in Houston, TX
Gilad Efrat
Untitled, 2016
oil on canvas, 175 x 250 x 5 cm (68.9 x 98.4 x 2 in)
This painting is part of new series of work by Israeli artist Gilad Efrat. The paintings comprise th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$21,000
Unitled
Located in New York, NY
Gouache on paper. Signed in pencil, lower right corner.
Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Paper
French Abstract Contemporary Art by Daniel Cayo - Sans Abri
By Daniel Cayo
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Each Other
Located in Pampilhosa da Serra, PT
Each Other, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
50 x 70 cm
"Each Other" by Zahra Shahcheraghi, painted in 2023, delves into the complexity of human relationships through a vivid abstract composi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled
By Jacob El Hanani
Located in London, GB
JACOB EL HANANI b. 1947
1947 Casablanca (Israeli)
Title: Untitled, 1968
Technique: Signed and Dated Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 73 x 93 cm. / 28.7 x 36.6 in.
Additional Information...
Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"Challenge 18" Mixed Media Contemporary Abstract Expressionist
By Masri Hayssam
Located in Carmel, CA
"Challenge 18" is a 48" x 60" mixed media canvas by Masri that captures the tempestuous energy of abstract expressionism. Swirling monochromatic tones dance with bold streaks of prim...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
$24,000 Sale Price
20% Off
More Ways To Browse
Arabic Painting
The Disasters Of War
Hamer Vintage
Hamed Abdalla
Whitney Houston
Exotic Dancer
Malibu Art
Vintage Caribbean
Japanese Calligraphy Paintings
Oil On Canvas Michel
The Vanderbilt
Expressionist Floral Paintings
Santa Fe Paintings Large
Textured Mirrored Artwork
Tiger Paintings
Y S L
Blue Hawaii
Used Casino Signs