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These original oil paintings are profoundly
influenced by Dr. Al Masri’s unique background
in art and archaeology. Inspired by his research
in the ancient civilizations, Al Masri’s works
reflect the cultural forces that have shaped the
Middle East region: Assyrian, Mesopotamian,
Sumerian, Persian, African, Egyptian, and
Nabatean. His works are abundant with ancient
symbols, hieroglyphs, early Arabic writing,
cuneiform inscriptions, and ancient icons -
sometimes juxtaposed with contemporary
themes and symbols taken from the world
around him. Modern images such as a playful
kite, a whimsically curved palm tree, or a
graffiti-like arrow are placed alongside symbols
and icons central to ancient civilizations, such as
those representing fertility and immortality. The
viewer is easily drawn in, attempting to decipher
and connect the hidden meanings in his work.
The visual interplay of the past and present
merges together to create incredibly original and
innovative art.
Al Masri’s non-traditional medium and technique
further emphasize the spirit of the ancients. Hist
works are not just painted, but carved and
sculptural in appearance. In lieu of a canvas, he
works on a specially prepared wooden panel.
Using wood carving tools, he skillfully carves his
images and designs, resulting in works that
closely resemble ancient tablets or carvings in
both texture and appearance. His masterful use
of oil paint with colors rich in warm earth tones,
combined with fresh and confident brushstrokes,
complete the unconventional and powerful works
of art.
With a subject befitting a Jordanian artist and
archaeologist, Dr. Al Masri’s doctoral work
focused on the Nabateans, whose civilization
flourished in the first-century B.C. throughout
Northwest Arabia, its capitol at Petra in present-
day Jordan. Al Masri’s thesis, centered on the
sculptural representations and mythology of
Nabatean deities, provides rich inspiration for
many of his paintings. His works pulse with the
Nabatean theme; several of the effigies
unearthed in the region of Petra are brilliantly
interpreted and adapted to appear prominently
in his work. Combining art and archaeology,
there is an obvious visual connection between
this 2000 year-old city that was carved into
stone and Al Masri’s work – further emphasized
by the fact that his paintings themselves seem to
be carved into stone. His splendid use of ancient
symbols and icons and his unique technique
brings the past clearly into the present,
reacquainting the viewer with history that should
never be forgotten.
In addition to his academic credentials, he is an
accomplished artist, having exhibited his work to
great acclaim in Austria, Kuwait, Lebanon,
Tunisia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
His paintings can be found in an impressive
number of private collections across Europe, the
United States, Canada, Japan, and the Gulf
countries. Presently, he serves as an assistant
professor of Ancient Civilizations at Hashemite
University in Jordan, passing on his great
admiration for the Ancients to his students.
In his paintings, Dr. Eyad captures the spirit and
strength of antiquity and brings it full force to
the viewer with his every brushstroke and
design. He interprets the past and the present,
bringing both together in truly unique and
mesmerizing works. One cannot help but be in
awe of the creative genius and originality in the
paintings of Dr. Eyad Al Masri. He is inspired by
the past, but not held to tradition. His work
must be seen and, like the history of the
Ancients, it will be remembered.
-- Jeanne Whatley, Caravan Galleries
- (AJ.089)
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