Khalid Alkaaby: “The Path of Light”

Opened:

August 13, 2022


On View Through:

October 2, 2022


Browse Show Catalog
Khalid Alkaaby - Before You
Khalid Alkaaby - Awaking
Khalid Alkaaby - Freedom
Khalid Alkaaby - Space
Khalid Alkaaby - City
Khalid Alkaaby - Ascend

Sparks Gallery’s programming in 2022 explores the theme and concept of “Perspective” from exhibited and represented artists at the gallery. Poised to open during the transitional period between summer and fall, Khalid Alkaaby’s solo show “The Path of Light”, fittingly investigates another liminality – that of the shifting emotions and half-recollected memories and images we all feel but can seldom articulate. 

Alkaaby prefaces his exhibition with this phrase: “Finding oneself in the darkness is unsettling. Feelings of fear, loneliness and uncertainty. However, even the smallest glimmer of light in the darkness can bring comfort and hope.”

Represented through his characteristic abstract works featuring textural brushwork, muted tones, and dreamlike compositions of pure color, Alkaaby explores the spectrum of emotion, from negative feelings of isolation to positive ones of joy and hope. Creating his abstractions through an unconscious, almost automatic sense reminiscent of the Surrealists of the 1910’s and 20’s, Alkaaby gives form to these sensitivities, with a result many people resonate deeply with when viewing for the first time. 

The uninhibited release of creation through paint allows Alkaaby to communicate the freedom of expression that he had been seeking. The boldness of the colors connect with his passion for life and love, which in turn creates a rhythmic tone throughout the work. Viewers can follow the movement of one state of mind to the next with this collection, culminating with epiphany over this emotional journey, and the strength and optimism it provides in looking towards the future.

Khalid Alkaaby was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, where he was classically trained at the Art Institute. The emphasis the school placed on watercolor studies gave Alkaaby a firm foundation for his oil paintings, and he continued on to work as an artist and ran a successful art studio for some time. However, in 2005, Baghdad underwent immense terrorist bombings and Alkaaby was forced to leave his family, friends, and studio gallery. He immigrated to the United States and began a new life in San Diego, California where he now lives and works as a professional artist. 

Since moving to the United States, Alkaaby has experienced an immense sense of openness in expression and creativity, unlike in Iraq where he experienced the opposite, “an unbalanced force”, he notes. That creative freedom is reflected in his work, in both the process and finished product.

Alkaaby’s works will be on view at Sparks Gallery from August 13th to October 2nd, 2022.

We invite you to join us in the gallery on Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 6-9pm for the Opening Reception. RSVP via the button above.



Show Catalog

Showing 1–24 of 51 results: