THE renowned Lebanese artist Yasser Khattar, gave a new dimension to art, in his solo art exhibition held at Serafi Mega Mall under the banner “Maqamat Ornina” (Music in the Form of Art) on Feb. 5. It was inaugurated by the Lebanese Consul Ghassan Al-Moallem. The exhibition was a solo performance by the artist, depicting the artist's different strokes and expressions through oil paintings. People from various backgrounds appreciated the artist's new concept as ‘modern art'. Yasser graduated in fine arts from Damascus University, Syria, in 1996, and specializes in oil paintings. He started working as an artist in Syria and later in Saudi Arabia when he arrived here 10 years ago. During this time he did a lot of art work with Saudi and other artists. Yasser has been living here for the past 10 years, and has participated in a number of art exhibitions in partnership with other artists, “This is my first solo exhibition, so far. In these last 10 years I have learnt a lot, done a lot of work on art and participated in a number of exhibitions on an international level in the Gulf region. However, this is the first time I have mixed music with art - a new concept and a new thought,” he said. According to Yasser, art is not something that can be bound with boundaries and rules and regulations. Art is a form of expression and freedom, whether it is in the form of colors or music or any other medium of expression. “In this exhibition I used almost 50 different modes of artwork. Through my colors I tried to express my feelings and emotions as purely as a musician or singer can express,” he said. “Music or any other form of art are all related to human nature and emotions, every medium of art shows emotions and is related to the feelings of the artist,” he explained. He is in search of originality within his work, which emphasizes the presence of artwork in all its awkwardness, familiarity, contentment, sorrow, joy, fear and serenity. His artwork showcases modern art where he feels free. “I prefer Modern Art. According to me, the definition of modern art is any kind of artistic work that gives you freedom, joy and happiness. There should be no boundaries or rules and restrictions coming your way and stop you from expressing yourself or your emotions and imaginations,” he said. “I simply drive my feelings through colors,” he added. His artwork shows great expression and emotional ties – that becoming the dominant feature of all his pieces of art. “Between the artist and the recipient, there should not be any restrictions. Art doesn't mean certain shapes and circles or colors. Don't bind the artist under the usual visual literacy as well as in literature, theater, singing, music and other forms of art. The impact can be positive or negative but the artist develops awareness and knowledge within the community through his art work,” he said. Yasser finds life in Saudi Arabia easy and friendly and finds that the people of Saudi Arabia love art and artistic work. “While living here since the last 10 years, I have interacted with all levels and sectors of Saudi society and found that most Saudis are very generous and simple,” he said. “I have never faced any problem…not even in my artwork, whether I do it at home or outside. People over here are loving and caring…the media people and even the government is very supportive,” he said. Yasser is seeking to organize another exhibition with the cooperation of Saudi artist, Dr. Tayer Al-Hudairi. “Modern art or classical art in general is booming all over Saudi Arabia like the economy and the real estate business. Art has a good future in Saudi Arabia. Many big names of the world of art are coming forward,” he explained. “I am very optimistic about the future of modern art, though it's the beginning of the era and is a little bit late compared to other places, but everyone can see that the public, media and government are supporting it and very soon Saudi artists' work will be familiar all around the world,” he added. Regarding upcoming artists, Yasser thinks that they should not refrain from hard work. He feels that Saudi artists are making strides and already entering the international arena. __
