Love Is The Answer
View Similar Items
1 of 3
Imani BilalLove Is The Answer2021
2021
About the Item
- Creator:Imani Bilal (1983, American)
- Creation Year:2021
- Dimensions:Height: 60 in (152.4 cm)Width: 48 in (121.92 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU149228539362
Imani Bilal
Imani Bilal (b. 1983) is a contemporary abstract painter based in Atlanta. Her work is deeply inspired by her Islamic faith. As she explains, “I strive to convey the notion of Tawheed (oneness), the idea of primordial matter, chaos, and calm; of all things sharing a source and being connected to an infinite mound, inclusive of the human experience.” Working with acrylic and resin, Bilal, who has been experimenting with paint since childhood, has since developed a chemistry not taught in schools, a sensibility not learned from artists of the past, but a process of her own. Her first solo show in New York City, Fingerprints of Ruh, curated by Nemo Librizzi, was met with enthusiasm, leading to two exhibitions in Atlanta. Inspired by the Islamic concept of “ruh” or breath/inner soul/spirit, it featured lush palettes and undulant shapes against pure obsidian wash. Bilal often paints while seated on the floor to pour her whole body into the composition, using her hands, found objects, and hand-crafted brushes, to create an array of effects. She blends ink with diluted vinegar and acrylics to develop deeper tones and subtle sheen. Islamic art focuses on the spiritual essence of things rather than their physical qualities, a concept that is at the heart of Bilal’s practice. Bilal admires the graphic artist and sculptor Elizabeth Catlett, Color field painter and lyrical abstractionist Sam Gilliam, and Color Field painter Morris Louis but finds creative insight in everyday people as well. She is captivated by the human capacity to endure struggle. Rooted in a connection to mankind, Bilal says in painting to express herself, she also paints to communicate with others, hoping her work sparks powerful emotion. A devout Muslim, who studies her faith in search of true meaning, Bilal explores Islamic concepts in her work and seeks to challenge how specific subject matters are presented and understood. She has encountered resistance from other Muslims who challenge her explication and unorthodox methods of expression. Rebellious by nature, Bilal says resistance fuels her artistic freedom. She is among a small community of Black Muslim American women who push the avant-garde. A single mother of two, Bilal moved from Washington, DC, to Atlanta in 2019.
You May Also Like
- Large Celestial Mythical Horse Painting Acrylic Gouache Ink on Canvas BlueBy Alex K. MasonLocated in Versailles, KYLarge Celestial Mythical Horse Painting by Alex K. Mason "Wardusa", Acrylic Gouache Ink on Canvas, Blue, White, Gold, Yellow This painting is part of a constellation series I did f...Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
- A Set of 12 Contemporary Framed Abstract Paintings Blue White Museum CollectionBy Monica AngleLocated in Buffalo, NYA set of 12 original mixed media monotype and painting mixed media works by American contemporary artist Monica Angle. These pieces were inspired by the changing light throughout th...Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
- Mid Century Abstract Nude Oil on Canvas Painting by Edith FerulloBy Edith E. FerulloLocated in Atlanta, GAOriginal Mid-Century oil on canvas composition by American Artist Edith E. Ferullo (1928 - 2008). The painting features a thick textured abstract nude subject. The brutalist artwork ...Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Acrylic, Gouache
- Contemporary American Abstract Expressionist Landscape Painting Japanese screenBy Monica AngleLocated in Buffalo, NYAn original mixed media monotype and painting by American contemporary artist Monica Angle. This work was featured in a major exhibition for the artist at the Burchfield Penney Art ...Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
- Contemporary American Abstract Expressionist Landscape Painting Japanese screenBy Monica AngleLocated in Buffalo, NYAn original mixed media monotype and painting by American contemporary artist Monica Angle. This is the title work from a major exhibition for the artist at the Burchfield Penney Ar...Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsPaper, Watercolor, Canvas, Acrylic
- Lighthouse Ocean - Abstract Blue Landscape Art Original Waterscape PaintingLocated in Los Angeles, CAUrban abstract expressionism artist Tommy Lennartsson draws on the visual culture of street and pop art when creating his original vibrant mixed-medi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Graphite