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In this exhibition Dina Ghazal presents her latest body of work, on show there is a wide variety of ideas represented in different forms that includes relief and sculptural works. Ghazal draws her inspiration from various sources. Her inspiration often comes from aspects of the world around her that catch her attention, while other works arise from delving inwards and evolve from an exploration of her imagination. With both approaches she believes strongly in abstraction and not in creating literal representations, in order that she might capture and express the essence of her ideas. Experimentation with ideas and forms are an integral part of her artistic practice. For Ghazal, the qualities of the material she works with are very important, she explains that her work is an attempt to show the versatility and malleability of clay with which she hopes to challenge traditional perceptions of the use of the medium. This is evident in the boldness of her approach and the execution of her work. Ghazal's art work has evolved from her earlier creations that lyrically celebrated Palestinian traditions. This new series is starker and combines both architectural and organic forms and imparts a somber and foreboding tone. Her choice of colors she suggests stems from the deep dark colors of the earth and for her expresses a relationship and bond to the land. Although this series carries an air of severity she believes the pieces also impart a sense of hope, as for the artists there is strength in weakness as there are no absolutes in life. Evidently, like many other Palestinian artists the realities of the current Intifada contour and influence the artist's work in different ways and this can be sensed in her abstract creations.
Tina Sherwell |
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