M HKA Ensembles

1938 - 1988

Born in Baghdad (Iraq).

"Art is to serve a purpose and allow people to develop their own creative instincts from it. We have become far removed from such ideas. In the old days, art began as a craft; it was used towards a given end. This is not the case today. Take the architect for example, he is a master-builder of yesterday, but he has lost touch with his basic tools: earth, wood, brick, concrete. Things have become too abstract; so abstract that we can no longer relate to them on a practical level." - Issam Al Said

As architect, graphic artist, designer and painter, the practice of Iraqi artist Issam Al Said (1938 - 1988) exemplifies an attempt of reconciliation, one where belief, traditional crafts and modern aesthetics seek a common ground. In his paintings we recognize aspects of spirituality as well as the mathematical principles that lay at the base of traditional Islamic non-figurative art.