A Long Exercise Of Solitude (1)
A Long Exercise of Solitude
Time in Zurich
When the writer's creativity overflows with energy, they search for a new way or a language to express their feelings and thoughts, and the Syrian cultural heritage has always given us outstanding examples.
This unique and captivating exhibition presents a collection of paintings by the late novelist, screenwriter and painter Khaled Khalifa, which are a reflection of the characters of his novels, dreams and memories in the last six months he spent in Zurich, Switzerland, as part of a creative writing program. The quiet city imposes its rhythm as Khaled described it: "This was my third sign: a chance to enjoy a long, isolated retreat." Zurich's calm gave him a space for contemplation, and painting gave him a new language of expression.
In his paintings, Khaled depicted the loneliness during the months he spent in Zurich, surrounded by silence and tranquillity, spending hours staring into his surroundings, and to his amazement, he discovered it's possible to live without the daily commotion.
Celebrating Khaled's experience as a painter is necessary. His first unique venture to begin painting in this age, where prolific art productions are available, yet the simplicity, spontaneity and passion distinguish his art. Hence, I was motivated to research and wonder what Khaled thought and felt when he painted these paintings. This question imposed the importance of presenting this experience, not only because it is his first and last experience, nor because it was one of his last wishes (citing his article in Al Majalla, Culture and Social Affairs, 27 June 2023), but out of conviction of the importance of showcasing the image of this innovator so that this creative spirit may rest in peace and may his memory remain immortal as his name.
Jehan Saleh
Art Concept
2023
Time in Zurich
When the writer's creativity overflows with energy, they search for a new way or a language to express their feelings and thoughts, and the Syrian cultural heritage has always given us outstanding examples.
This unique and captivating exhibition presents a collection of paintings by the late novelist, screenwriter and painter Khaled Khalifa, which are a reflection of the characters of his novels, dreams and memories in the last six months he spent in Zurich, Switzerland, as part of a creative writing program. The quiet city imposes its rhythm as Khaled described it: "This was my third sign: a chance to enjoy a long, isolated retreat." Zurich's calm gave him a space for contemplation, and painting gave him a new language of expression.
In his paintings, Khaled depicted the loneliness during the months he spent in Zurich, surrounded by silence and tranquillity, spending hours staring into his surroundings, and to his amazement, he discovered it's possible to live without the daily commotion.
Celebrating Khaled's experience as a painter is necessary. His first unique venture to begin painting in this age, where prolific art productions are available, yet the simplicity, spontaneity and passion distinguish his art. Hence, I was motivated to research and wonder what Khaled thought and felt when he painted these paintings. This question imposed the importance of presenting this experience, not only because it is his first and last experience, nor because it was one of his last wishes (citing his article in Al Majalla, Culture and Social Affairs, 27 June 2023), but out of conviction of the importance of showcasing the image of this innovator so that this creative spirit may rest in peace and may his memory remain immortal as his name.
Jehan Saleh
Art Concept
2023
