Today we’d like to introduce you to Qais Al-Sindy.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Baghdad (1967) and currently resides in California- USA. He received B.Sc., college of Engineering, Baghdad University in 1989. Thereafter, he started to study Art. In 2000, he received BA, Academy of Fine Arts, in Baghdad University in which he got his MFA (Master in Fine Art) in 2004.
I fled Iraq after I got threats because I painted a huge mural at the Academy of Fine Art in Baghdad; the mural was about ballet dancers whom I depicted them semi-nude. Such nudity in art is forbidding in Islam. Accordingly, anonymous extremists wiped up the whole artwork and turn it to a white wall.
Being a successful artist in Iraq, and I used to have two good galleries there, I found this fanatic act of erasing my mural as indirect threat. as well as, an indication of limitation of the space that I can represent myself as an artist with deep message in life that I want to convey via my art. Therefore, I decided to leave Iraq in 2004, living temporary in Amman- Jordan, then, I sought a permanent safe and secure place to live in and that I can express myself freely. I came to the United States in 2008.
Please tell us about your art.
In my Art, I use varieties of media; (painting, installation, video, conceptual, performances…etc.), yet, he focus on painting; and find myself as a ‘Painter’ through pigments and colors on canvas. My art explores the world we are living in, and travel the inner feeling of the human being and how they connect to each other with their various beliefs, mentalities and politics. The receiving- of each other- is yet another of life’s “here’s a side of hurt” lessons and it is never truly acceptance unless it has cost us something to arrive there; inadequate yet true.
My vital point is to raise questions started with: “Why?” and embed endless answers between the fold of the artwork. The questions that he asks through his art, is to find answers with the audience, relying on their own interpretations and backgrounds. In spite of the differences of the answers, the results are most likely pouring in the same channel that brings both aesthetic pleasure and aesthetic concern.
Being an Iraqi born artist residing currently in the United States, many experiences have influenced the evolution of my art and reshaped it accordingly. The multi-cultural background offered me wide and analytical vision in approaching the humanistic issues that help to make –here and there- better place to live in. Furthermore, I see my artworks in general, are revealing the shutter of the -outside- world, and helping the people to feel and share what are going on any spot in this world; leading to consolidate the concept of peace, hope and love.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
We are living in an age of social media that has turned our massive globe into a very tiny, interconnected place. We, the artists, cannot ignore what is happening in the world today. As artists, we too are a part of this world. In fact, we have a vital role to minimize the negative energy found in violence, terrorism, hatred, and war. In that same capacity, we must also enhance the global values of love, hope, and peace through our artworks. Our message, via our chosen media of art, is more direct and efficient at reaching the masses than the tools of politicians, for example.
The role an artist plays is largely dependent on the nature and chosen subject matter of his or her art. An artist can lead, inspire, or provoke through his or her work. Art is often a reflection of personality. It is multifunctional, enabling artists to take whatever role they wish for a given life circumstance or contemporary event. Indeed, art is the most sophisticated weapon in this era, especially in a world desperate for the universal values of love and peace.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
In this digital age, my most important contact with the public is my website, which is updated regularly with my latest artwork, information about current and upcoming exhibitions, and information about purchasing artwork. Moreover, I am very active on Social Media: Instagram (#qais_alsindy), and Facebook. To see the work in person, studio visits are also encouraged; appointments can be made through my website. I do a solo exhibition every year, across the US and abroad. In addition, I offer catalogs for each solo exhibition that include high resolution images of the paintings, an introductory article about the theme of the show and my artist statement. The catalogs are also available through my website, or at the venues of the solo shows. The people can support me by many ways: Nowadays, it takes nothing to share any art-work, usually just a push of a button. supporters can “repost” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Using networks on regular basis and sharing can widespread my art out there.
Other thing that people can offer, is by personal connection to whatsoever, especially if there are some celebrities and collectors who are interested in art and collecting art. The more good people you know the more marketing and then selling you can get. Finally, grants from specialist organization or people help covering the expenses of doing an exhibition (brochures, materials, studio rent, traveling, shipping…etc.) is very helpful that make the artist able to keep creating new artworks.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11973 Avenida Marcella El Cajon, CA 92019
- Website: www.qaissindy.com
- Phone: 619 495 2293
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: #qais_alsindy
- Facebook: Qais Al-Sindy
- Twitter: Qais Al-Sindy
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