The issue with abstract art is that one quickly creates shortcuts… Therefore, what could seriously threaten the work of Mohamed Kanoo, exhibited in Bahrain, is that his work be reduced to a series of 99 multicoloured squares. This would mean failing to truly recognize the artist, his creative spirit, his understanding of art and the dialog he wishes to establish with the inquisitive viewer. Far from the stereotypes of the ambiguous artist, this Bahraini native, today living in Abu Dhabi, offers an artistic path that does not leave one indifferent. Let’s uncover one of the biggest installations of contemporary art ever accomplished in the Gulf...

“I like to tickle the brain”

The work can first of all be appreciated simply for the enjoyment it brings: pleasure for the senses, pleasure for the intellect. Picture an ample space, in which have been positioned to form a circle, 99 one meter squared panels. The burst of colours rapidly captivates the eye. Bathed in luminous reflections coming from the roof, the panels stand out as a hint of gaiety in the sober area that is the House of Qur’an. The effect of contrast is there to arouse questions. Why this range of colours? What does it represent? Mohamed Kanoo likes to “tickle the brain" so that one repeatedly asks oneself: "Have the panels deliberately been positioned in the form of a circle? How did the artist achieve this certain texture?" As many paths are yet to be explored beneath the piece’s apparent simplicity.

“It’s like a spiritual experience…”

The subject matter also quickly comes to mind. In fact, the work reveals of an exploration Mohamed Kanoo has been undergoing since a few years: ‘Shemaghart’. A 'shemagh', is the iconic headdress worn by Arab men in winter, a symbol and sign of identity for Gulf men. Anyhow, what mostly appeals to the artist is that the foreign visitor may change the view he holds of the Arab world. The stereotype of the red and white 'shemagh' is no longer. The affluence of colours and tints found today is a promise of the open-mindedness and understanding between people. In this fashion, art can embody a humanistic ideal.

Furthermore, the exhibition gathers 99 'shemaghs'. For a Muslim, this number recalls the 99 names of Allah. The installation commits to spirituality, even if one is not of Islamic faith: “Essentially, it’s like a spiritual experience, all these different coloured squares” highlights a delighted visitor. Likewise, one mustn’t forget the exhibition venue, purposely chosen…

Arab style Pop art

Without doubt, the artist’s personality and life journey give us a good insight in understanding the works displayed. We have seen in Mohamed Kanoo an influential designer of Arab style Pop art.

For the primary colours? “I have a certain thing with colours”, he admits. Warhol and Lichtenstein? The owner of the Ghaf Gallery in Abu Dhabi likes them for their ability to facilitate complex ideas. Actually, he appreciates their creative spirit. The arrangement of the 99 squares? That is the curator’s task. In this way, the exhibition will never be the same in Bahrain and in the other cities, in America and Europe, where it will be shown.

To conclude, if the exhibition appears as an escape from abstraction to the interpretation of our world, of our bond with the sacred, our reflection upon identity or identities, yet it also speaks of a certain conception of art, most certainly altruistic.

Clothilde Monat

99 will be shown at Beit Al Qur'an until August 31. For more info, call +973 17 290101 or email alquran@batelco.com.bh