Klay Kassem’s “Ethereal World”

The Arts-Mart Gallery is hosting the gallery’s first exhibition dedicated to the work of Klay Kassem whose work is loved by collectors as well as art enthusiasts. Titled “Ethereal World”, the exhbit opens at The Arts-Mart Gallery on Friday 20th of October until Saturday 11th of November.

Kassem’s unique persona and style make his work unlike any other; a delicate balance of ancient and contemporary, figurative and abstract, lucid and defined. Klay Kassem’s body of work is a commentary on Egyptian society. A lover of ancient Egyptian history, Kassem references the ideology using a progressive and contemporary style of painting to show his concept.

Dream-like and ethereal, Kassem’s imagery is a unique blend of thoughts, emotions, figures and palettes. Strong symbolism from the Egyptian culture, as well as dream interpretations and folk tales help strengthen his spiritual portrayal. A feminist undercurrent lies beneath all the body of work; the artist believes the woman is the backbone upholding the Egyptian family, and ultimately, all of society. The woman is the source of all blessings and good that is brought to the family. Sometimes the woman is even portrayed as a nun to emphasize her enlightenment, kindness and purity.

Moving forward, Kassem upholds tradition by painting his subjects as a family gathered around a table. Conversations, emotions, food and love is shared around this table. It is at the eating table that families interact and bond. Connection, intimacy and love are the greatest blessings, sometimes shown in white circular rings that show love as eternal.

Kassem also uses typical Egyptian animals as prominent symbols; such as the bird (protectors), fish (good fortune and blessings), the cats (companions), and so on. Some subjects are wearing pendants in the shape of the Horus eye for warding off evil. All of these concepts that are familiar to every Egyptian are seamlessly integrated into his dreams of women with strawberry-filled dresses.

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