The Meaning Of Prayer

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5th December 2019 - 4th January 2020

 

Curator: Amina Diab

Artist: Mohammed Fadhel Ben Khalfallah

 

Mohammed Fadhel Ben Khalfallah began his artistic journey in his homeland, Tunisia, nearly 30 years ago and continued assiduously in Paris. Early on in life, he began to explore a parallel path, in answer to a call from elsewhere. These were the first steps of a journey, an ancient and universal pathway that expresses itself differently, according to place and time. This led Ben to adopt practices and traditions from different cultures. He has learnt to appreciate the peace and calm achieved through yogic practices, such as those advocated by Buddhist teachings. Many of the works shown in the exhibition are derived from periods of meditation.
For over 20 years, Ben has used graphic expressions as a way of expressing himself. Using a modern concept, he reached a certain order. In spite of the diversity of combinations, the equilibrium of this order has a calming effect. Blending images and symbols from different religious, spiritual and cultural beliefs, with the richness of his Islamic culture, Ben has given visual expression to his inner spiritual quest. His journey has taken him beyond the day-to-day. So too does his art form.
Ben's work originates in Kufic calligraphy, which is the highest form of Islamic art. Calligraphy itself is a universal art closely connected with the sacred, while not in itself expressing ideas. As though a prayer, it is an attempt to reach the universal, since it embraces the phenomenon of globalisation and the challenges arising from societal divisions.. It reminds the viewer of the connections between peoples. While only a few travel the road, each one of us has glimpses of that yearning. The artwork pleads for an appreciation of the universality of art.
The short text, The Meaning Of Prayer, available in the exhibition will guide you through the artist's practice. For many years now, Ben has produced and exhibited calligraphic designs of outstanding quality.

 

Press Information

For further exhibition information, press images and interview opportunities, please contact P21 Gallery at: info@p21.org.uk contact or curator at: amina.bdiab@gmail.com

 


 

The exhibition is supported by HUB Collective.