A Glowing Artistic Space

Few Arabs today can match the indefatigable energies that glow from the creative works of Shawkat Al-Rubai'e. Indeed, one is struck not only by his imaginative paintings and sketches but also by his succinct writing and critical analyses on contemporary Iraqi and Arab art. These energies reveal the complexities as well as the anxieties of his world. His paintings show an unmistakable yearning for, and even an obsession with, his childhood world ?the cruel but beautiful marches of southern Iraq. It was here where one of the earliest civilizations in mankind; Sumer, was formed. Within this unique natural world of water, reeds and abundant animal life, man toiled tirelessly under the scorching sun to sustain his basic existence. This wondrous and fantastic world, therefore, became the artist's existential canvas and metaphoric framework, providing him vast and inexhaustible panoply of joyful as well as sad memories that are essential for his visual expression. Mythical symbols of Mesopotamia, natural elements, and social milieu, are his tools of declaration. Human figures, often sad and voluptuous marsh women became synonymous with his painting. One cannot help but admire the way in which Al-Rubai'e tried to confront his complex and enigmatic art with powerful imagery of forms and colors. His incessant reference to his place and social geography gives him a unique artistic vitally that is rare among artists today. Perhaps, one way to fathom his ethos is to read his fascinating biographical book