GALLERY
Welcome to the Virtual Gallery of Iraqi ceramic artist Wisam Alsamad. This Gallery spans from 2005 to the present, showcasing the artistic journey of Wisam Alsamad.
Wisam has developed a unique style that combines contemporary artistic elements with visual exploration, experimentation, and adventure. His signature technique is characterized by a distinctive crosshatch texture, and more recently the overarching theme of his work is "Love."
A Light From Mesopotamia
Artistic skill blends with technical prowess, infusing life into modern ceramic creations inspired by his Mesopotamian heritage. Overcoming challenges, he employs a complex method, achieving a diverse color palette. Wisam's journey between the Arabic East and European West reflects in his work, harmonizing contrasts of roughness and softness, warmth and coolness.
Utilizing inter-spaces in his ceramic units, he orchestrates a captivating visual symphony through light and movement. Rooted in symbolism, his creations embody a continuous duality, blending Eastern emotion with Western contemporary aesthetics. Wisam's relentless pursuit of the avant-garde is evident in his innovative approach, offering a visual journey marked by discovery and passion for the new.
The Path of Love
In the artistic realm of Wisam, the essence of love takes center stage as he passionately explores its multifaceted expressions through a captivating collection. Inspired by the profound beauty of Arabic language and culture, Wisam meticulously crafts each piece to embody a unique facet of love. Through a harmonious blend of diverse glazes and distinct artwork shapes, he intricately weaves a visual narrative that transcends conventional boundaries.
The hallmark of his creations lies in the distinctive calligraphy style executed by Cloth, lending an air of individuality to every artwork. As the collection unfolds in exhibition, a mesmerizing wave emerges, symbolizing the enchanting journey of love. The delicate dots, adorned with a sliver glaze, add a touch of brilliance, further enhancing the allure of each piece. Wisam's collection is a testament to his unwavering commitment to capturing the poetic nuances of love, creating a timeless visual symphony for art enthusiasts to behold.
Meet Love
The art pieces are reminiscent of stone carvings, each piece bearing the imprint of human touch on its textured surface, skillfully conveying the profound nuances of subtle emotions like love. In exploring the theme of love, Wisam draws upon the linguistic richness of Arabic, where numerous synonyms for love exist, adding layers of cultural depth to his work. The varied shapes within his collections contribute to a tapestry of diversity, simultaneously challenging and transcending the boundaries set by tradition.
Through a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, Wisam invites viewers to witness the fusion of tactile artistry and emotional resonance, creating a collection that is not only visually captivating but also a testament to the universal language of human connection embedded in every carefully crafted piece.
Windows of The Soul
Wisam fearlessly redefines the traditional pottery boundaries. Through meticulous dedication and innovative techniques, such as using dissolved gold for unique oxidized effects. Wisam shapes a transformative artistic landscape. Inspired by European cities and the city vibe of Baghdad, his creations deliberately resemble stone carvings, blending modern and traditional elements.
Symbols and emotions convey mysticism, rituals, and ancient Iraqi totem symbols, weaving a vibrant cultural tapestry. Each artwork, marked by intentional treatments, reflects Wisam's distinctive material relationship, inviting viewers on an enthralling journey through symbolic narratives. This collection encapsulates the essence of his exotic and transformative artistic odyssey, offering a visual spectacle that transcends conventional boundaries.
Spirit of Geometric
Distinct technique dissolves gold in aqua regia mixed with resin, creating a captivating interplay of color and motion on his ceramic artworks. This unique approach results in a mesmerizing oxidized effect that simulates metallic paint, offering a visual journey that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. Through meticulous application, Wisam enhances the unity of each piece, recognizing the power of color and motion in achieving universal aesthetic satisfaction.
The collection goes beyond conventional boundaries, where hexagon shapes stand as independent artistic expressions, contributing to the rich tapestry of Wisam's creative narrative. The fusion of tradition and innovation, of each artwork becomes a testament to the artist's skillful craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
Back To The Roots
Wisam's artistic creations beautifully fuse two rich cultural tapestries: Mesopotamian and Old Norse. Drawing inspiration from Mesopotamian traditions, his works showcase the use of clay and a palette of light colors, capturing the essence of ancient craftsmanship. In a captivating blend, Old Norse influences make their mark with intricate Norwegian Petroglyphs and the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights.
Wisam's unique perspective is further enriched by contemporary elements, seamlessly integrating several modern shapes into the artistic narrative. Having called Norway home, Wisam's profound connection to the Norwegian culture is evident in the subtle nuances that echo through his art works. His art transcends cultural boundaries, offering a harmonious synthesis that reflects both his heritage and the influences of the vibrant Norwegian landscape.
Magic of Laster
In Wisam's skilled hands, each type of clay takes on a unique shape and colour, revealing a level of artistry that transcends previous boundaries, which gives ceramic works an iconic form that embodies surprise, excitement, and pure fantasy. He raises questions with long pauses of contemplation and deep exploration of glaze and clay, leading to answers and interpretations that leave observers in awe.
This quest for innovation extends to unique materials, shapes, and techniques that distinguish his work from other potters because he is unconcerned with conventional methods and employs innovative techniques to create truly remarkable pieces.
Love Tracks
Each piece harmonizes color austerity with expressive form. Adorned with calligraphic verses, each art piece transcends tradition, drawing viewers into a dreamy lyrical atmosphere. Deliberate cracks and thoughtful color compositions create a captivating interplay between form and content.
Wisam's mastery of Kufic and Maghrebi scripts preserves an earthy hue, striking a perfect balance between materialistic and spiritual realms. The whole art collection integrates Eastern identity, cultural heritage, and modernity, transcending cultural boundaries.
Alphabet of The Gold Clay
In "Gold's Clay Alphabet from Tigris to Glomma," Wisam pioneers a rebellious collection, defying conventional industry norms. Embracing intentional ugliness and improvisational play, he establishes a unique artistic language, inspired by the tales of the river in his hometown, Baghdad. Wisam's distinctive style, rooted in both local and global influences, explores the aesthetics of the human body and breaks traditional sculpture norms.
His ceramics showcase intelligent transparency and a fusion of natural and virtual colors, challenging surface aesthetics and incorporating technology and conceptual elements. Wisam's work marks a significant evolution in contemporary sculpture art, blending tradition with innovation.
Tell Us, Gibran
Wisam seamlessly fuses the rich heritage of Mesopotamian culture with the mystique of Old Norse traditions. The pieces showcase a harmonious blend of materials, incorporating brown Earthenware resembling the dull colors of Scandivia and yellow Earthenware resembling the warm hues of the Middle Eastern desert on the arabic calligraphy. Mesopotamian influences manifest through the masterful use of clay and intricate Arabic calligraphy, while Old Norse elements come to life with Norwegian Petroglyphs and a palette of darker color tones.
A striking visual narrative emerges, a juxtaposition of two worlds, each piece bearing the weight of contrasting cultural identities. Wisam's art invites you to witness the profound beauty that arises from the collision of these two distinct cultures, a testament to the artist's ability to create a dialogue through the language of clay.
The Earth is My Mosque
Vibrant fusion of colors achieved through expert blending of dyes, clay, and ochre. His meticulous technique results in a glossy ceramic finish that enhances the overall aesthetic. Incorporating Arabic writing, Wisam creates a unique sense of unity within the structure. The interplay of traditional embellishments and modern construction techniques is seamlessly balanced, infusing his work with rich symbolism and contemporary relevance.
Focused on the 99 names of Allah, his art plays with light and darkness, skillfully manipulating mass components to achieve an elegant harmony of voids and lumps. Each creation reflects Wisam's expertise as an artist, offering a captivating fusion of tradition and innovation in a mesmerizing dance of form and meaning.
Baghdad... Point of All The Letters
In the realm of ceramic artistry, Wisam Alsamd seamlessly merges tradition with innovation, crafting captivating circular pieces inspired by ancient Arab artistry. These ceramics, adorned with vibrant metallic hues, transcend mere ornamentation, inviting viewers on a journey into contemplative realms.
Beyond their aesthetic allure, Wisam's creations reveal a mastery reflected in meticulous applications of reduced oxidation ceramic paint and intricate techniques. This mastery reflects his profound connection to the clay mixtures of the North Sea valleys, infusing each piece with a transformative beauty that resonates with the rich traditions and innovative spirit of ceramic craftsmanship.
Memory of Spirit
In the hands of Wisam, clay becomes a canvas for emotion and spirituality. Shaped with skill and reverence for Eastern values, the ceramic art pieces of Wisam embody a rich cultural narrative. From the meticulous process rooted in Mesopotamian heritage to the captivating "Cuboid Squares Stage," Wisam's art invites viewers to explore a fusion of modern aesthetics and Arabic patterns.
The marriage of abstract expressionism and calligraphy in his compositions reflects a deliberate harmony between unity and diversity. Each artwork serves as a testament to the enduring connection between contemporary expression and cultural roots, offering a captivating journey through symbolism and emotion.
One Thousand & One Cups
To add a unique touch, intertwining traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics. In his collection, simplicity becomes a canvas for intricate beauty. The bowls, conceived from Wisam's artistic vision, transcend functionality to become expressive pieces of art. Through the delicate dance of various glazes, each bowl captures a harmony of color tones, demonstrating the artist's profound understanding of ceramic craftsmanship. The incorporation of Arabic calligraphy elevates the pieces, infusing them with cultural richness and timeless elegance.
Wisam's departure from elaborate sculptures signifies a deliberate choice to embrace simplicity, allowing the inherent beauty of form and color to take center stage. This collection is a testament to his exploration of balance, both in design and cultural fusion, resulting in a series that embodies the essence of contemporary ceramic artistry.
The marriage of abstract expressionism and calligraphy in his compositions reflects a deliberate harmony between unity and diversity. Each artwork serves as a testament to the enduring connection between contemporary expression and cultural roots, offering a captivating journey through symbolism and emotion.
The Beauty & Brightness of The Circle
A visionary in ceramic art, Wisam seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. His pieces, characterized by warm, smooth surfaces and intricate geometric circular patterns, reflect a harmonious synthesis of creativity and technology.
Inspired by Islamic philosophy, the art transcends time, fusing the spiritual essence of the past with contemporary influences. In Europe, a revitalization of ancient civilizations unfolds through vibrant colors and Arabic calligraphy. Wisam's ongoing projects promise to push the boundaries of his already remarkable achievements.
Pains of Mud
In Wisam's perspective, clay becomes a canvas for an extraordinary artistic journey, where each form and hue reflects a mastery that surpasses conventional limits. The art pieces in this collection transcend the ordinary, embodying surprise, excitement, and pure fantasy. With deliberate pauses and profound exploration of mystical symbols, Wisam invites contemplation and sparks curiosity, unveiling interpretations that captivate and astonish onlookers. His relentless pursuit of innovation extends beyond traditional boundaries, embracing unique materials, shapes, and techniques that set his work apart from the ordinary.
Unconstrained by convention, Wisam fearlessly employs inventive methods, ensuring that each piece is a testament to his commitment to pushing artistic frontiers. The infusion of Arabic calligraphy adds an extra layer of depth, enriching his creations with cultural significance and a touch of the extraordinary. The art collection is a direct testament to boundless creativity and a dedication to shaping truly remarkable and distinctive pieces.
Salute to Baghdad
Wisam embarks on a captivating exploration of clay's possibilities, infusing his creations with passion drawn from teaching ceramics and global artistic influences. His recent wall relief sculptures, departing from abstract emotions, reveal a metaphysical world through geometric shapes. Unconstrained by tradition, Wisam's compositions defy norms, becoming magical symbols that balance emotions and harmonies.
Rich in color and intricate lines, his ceramics offer a dynamic visual experience, merging Mesopotamian heritage with modernity. Each piece is an evolving narrative, inviting viewers into a living horizon where tradition and contemporary converge seamlessly. Wisam's art, a blend of ambition and transparency, positions him as a promising Arab potter on a trajectory of growth and progress.
Gilgamesh; Wings of Mud & Fire
Wisam draws inspiration from Mesopotamian texts, particularly the Gilgamesh epic, considered the "Odyssey of Ancient Iraq." Themes of life, death, and immortality fuel approximately thirty ceramic murals. Departing from his previous techniques, Wisam employs transparent layers, intricate brushstrokes, and a focal point system. The Gilgamesh ceramics, a six-month endeavor, showcase his shift towards formlessness and experimentation.
Using low-oxidation ceramic coatings, custom-made paints, and acid etching, Wisam achieves captivating results. Exposing portions to mild heat adds complexity, resulting in a harmonious blend of colors. The collection, reminiscent of composite sculptural works, blurs the lines between the visible and invisible. Wisam's aim is to create a kinetic wall or floor ceramic art, marking a groundbreaking approach to composition and aesthetics.
Music of The Letters
The art collection explores the rich history of pottery in Iraq, tracing its origins to the Warka era (Uruk) and its subsequent evolution through Jamdat Nasr pottery. The enduring legacy of ancient pottery traditions is evident in the practices of contemporary Iraqi potters, who continue to use similar materials and techniques. The narrative delves into the significance of ceramic art in both historical and modern contexts, emphasizing its role in shaping cultural identity.
The evolution of pottery over time is highlighted, from traditional methods to the profound changes brought about by industrialization and the influence of Western art styles. The collection underscores the transformative impact of recent developments on Arab societies and the emergence of innovative ceramic artists who embrace abstract expressionism, pushing the boundaries of traditional forms and paving the way for new artistic horizons.
Letters Draw a Life
Rooted in the clay of Al-Mashtal, Mid East of Baghdad, Wisam's artistic journey began with a discovery of form and expression. Embracing ceramics at the Institute of Fine Arts, his early works surpassed traditional influences. Navigating the Ceramics Department, Wisam's commitment to innovation grew. From ancient heritage to global inspirations, his art embodies a synthesis of tradition and modernism.
Freedom of expression liberated form from utility, ushering in a "New World of Ceramics." Meticulous exploration of materials, including Arabic calligraphy, and mastery of glaze colors defined his distinctive path. Marked by kinetic influences and a dynamic spatial approach, his art transcends boundaries, offering a profound perspective on the intersection of tradition and contemporary aesthetics.