-
SALEH ABU SHINDI
‘VOCABULARY OF LINES AND COLOUR’
May 4 to 31, 2010
Saleh Abu Shindi has explored a range of styles and techniques over his artistic career spanning more than 50 years. In his more recent work from 2006 to 2008 he embraces colour and lets his emotions dictate the works. These predominantly small works are intense bursts of energy and expression with complex layers of colour, line and movement. The results are harmonious pieces showing, in some cases, the sensuous qualities of the paint and, in others, a subtle building of the forms. Although the works are a break from Abu Shindi’s more recognizable drawings and paintings of landscapes, village scenes and spiritual explorations, these show a continuation of Abu Shindi’s journey through very individual and intuitive expression while drawing on his influences over the years.
‘I dislike repeating myself and therefore work hard to create a new development of traditional elements and techniques and give them a unique and distinct perspective”.
Saleh Abu Shindi
Saleh Abu Shindi
Dr Saleh Khalil Abu Shindi was born in Jaffa, Palestine in 1938. His artistic debut was at the Fine Arts exhibition at Al Nahda Scientific Institute in Amman in 1953.
He participated and was involved n the establishment and activities of the Jordan Drawing and Sculpture Society in 1962. In 1964 he was selected to participate in the Fine Arts Exhibition at the Jordanian Pavilion at the New York International fair.
He obtained his degree in 1968 in Fine Arts and a diploma in Art Education from Cairo, and while there participated in a number of exhibitions. He staged his first solo exhibition at the British Council in Amman in 1971 and began to contribute to the media on issues of analysis and criticism of the fine arts in Jordan. The following 10 years were dedicated to group exhibitions in Amman as well as being involved in the establishment of the Jordanian Plastic Arts Association, building its profile locally and regionally.
He was the Head of the Arts Education Department at the Teacher Training College from 1973 to 1981, developing art education in Jordan. During this time he participated in group exhibitions in Iraq, Kuwait, Libya and Turkey.
Abu Shindi moved to India in 1990 to complete his MA in Graphic Art, and finished his PhD in 1999 (Indian Printmaking, Trends and Innovations in Contemporary Indian Printmaking) at MS University, Baroda, India. Since returning to Jordan, he continues to lecture in Graphic Design at various universities.
Abu Shindi’s work encompasses a variety of mediums and techniques. He is vocal about his attachment to Palestine, voicing both concerns and dreams and believes painting ‘gives an obvious expression to my passion for freedom and is my reaction to the deep cruelty the Palestinian people are subject to’.
Abu Shindi’s works are in the collection of the National Gallery of Jordan and various collections worldwide.
