04 August 2005

BEIRUT: Marwan likens his experience in Beirut to falling in love, saying that to find such a receptive audience is a gift. "It changes you, knowing you are appreciated and [people] want you here," says the painter whose work is on view in Downtown Beirut in a temporary exhibition hall inside Planet Discovery. Marwan speaks with a smile on his face, his hands gesturing emphatically, as he reveals how proud he is of Beirut and its "culture of receiving."  Out of all of his gallery shows in the Middle East, Marwan describes Beirut as the biggest success because the people here are so responsive to his art. (He has shown twice in Lebanon before, in the mid and late 1990s.)

Why are the renowned German-Syrian artist's paintings so significant? It is not simply because he is a formidable painter, though he is; nor is it because of the unique and expressive look of the pieces he creates.  His paintings are significant because Marwan is the definition of a true artist, a fervent painter who admits to being "obstinate" when it comes to creating and perfecting his art. He is adamant about not being what he calls "a producer," which he explains as someone who paints merely to turn out numerous works.  "For me, something must happen in the painting, something much more than the aesthetics. The end result must always be true to me as a painter and as a human being," he says. 

Marwan Kassab Bashi, who goes professionally by his first name alone, has been painting for over 50 years.  Born in Damascus in 1934, Marwan studied Arabic literature at Damascus University from 1955 to 1957.  Later in 1957, he moved to Europe to study art.  He says this was a clear and necessary choice for him, adding that at the time, being an artist was not a viable career in Syria and there was no training for that field of study.  Marwan said that he knew he would go to either France or Germany because of the concentration of great museums, the opportunities to study painting, and the challenge of being surrounded by exalted painters and having to prove himself.

He chose to go to Berlin in 1957 and has remained there since, working as a freelance artist and in various teaching capacities, mainly as a professor of painting.  His artwork is owned by renowned national and international museums and private collections around the world.

Marwan's paintings are startling with their intense colors, bold images, and a palpable emotional quality.  There is a distinct evolution in Marwan's work, mirroring his growth and development as an artist and as a person.  Many of his more recent pieces play with the viewer's perspective, allowing you to see the painting from a distance and clearly recognize it as a face; however, at a closer proximity you are able to grasp the detail in the colors and brushstrokes, though you can no longer take in the overall picture.

When asked if he has a favorite, Marwan laughs and says: "My paintings are like my children, I love each of them equally."

This exhibition in Beirut is a "lucky accident" for Marwan.  An old friend of his, based here, has long been an admirer of his work and encouraged Marwan to put on the show.

Inside Planet Discovery, there are 66 large paintings on display, as well as smaller works, prints, studies, and display cases full of the artist's notes, painted letters, news clips and early sketches. Marwan's paintings are done mainly in oil on canvas or wood, but there are works in ink and watercolor as well. The majority of his paintings on display are for sale, with prices ranging from about 4,000 euros for his smaller paintings to approximately 80,000 euros for his large pieces.

The exhibition is sponsored by Solidere and is part of their stated effort to promote Lebanese and other Arab artists, as well as revive Beirut's long-standing artistic tradition.

Marwan's works will be on display at Planet Discovery until August 31. For more information, call +961 1 980650.