Ibrahim El-Salahi

Ibrahim El-Salahi 

Ibrahim El-Salahi frequently draws upon childhood memories for inspiration which I think makes his paintings more compelling because they have an authentically personal quality to them. He is also influenced by visions from his mediations and dreams, which interests me.

"Reborn Sounds of Childhood Dreams" (1965), Ibrahim El-Salahi.

This painting is a perfect example of the character of his work. This is composed of simpler forms, and strong lines which are inspired by Arabic and African iconography. I like the subtlety in the use of color here, and the strong blacks fading into brown. The characters themselves are fascinating, the longer one looks at the painting the more they will discover popping out at them.

"The Mosque" (1964), Ibrahim El-Salahi.

I love the shapes in this painting, and how they interact with one another. I think the spaces left between the black shapes are particularly significant, and the darker shapes looked at as a whole are fascinating. I love how you can see people and shapes of buildings within the painting, but you cant quite work it out. It leaves the viewer wondering.

"Untitled" (1960), Ibrahim El-Salahi.

I find the line work here very unique and beautiful. I love the way the shapes evidence bodily parts like a ribcage, skulls, arms etc. but they could also be entirely different things. I think the drawing here is especially strong. Again I really appreciate his use of contrast between dark and light, and the use of off-white.