25 paintings and works on paper

Fateh Moudarres is widely considered to be one of Syria and the Arab world’s seminal modernists.
The bold singularity of Fateh's representational language was engaged with mythology, religion and popular lore as well as his deep political engagement. A stubborn iconoclast and tireless insurgent, he was a pivotal figure for generations of artists in Syria, he said of his style: 'It looks childish, but it is not childish. In my paintings one can see, how much I love human beings, in my art. I stand near them, when the power of fate and oppressive structures beset them.' In addition to visual arts, Moudarres was also a poet and writer. The exhibition includes paintings that mark a milestone in his practice, dating back to the 1960s, especially 1967 – the year of the defeat of the Arab armies in the war with Israel. The series of drawings include his infamous portrait of internationally-acclaimed Syrian poet Adonis who was a close accomplice of Moudarres. They underline at once the irreverent versatility of his talent and the coherence of his language. Presented by Atassi Gallery, Damascus, Syria. 2011 This project was part of Sharjah Biennial 10