Between abstraction and figuration

As a modernist pioneer of Arab art, Alfred Basbous produced a limited number of paintings with emotive, organic forms exploring liberation through fluidity. Two other Lebanese artists - Hussein Madi and Samir Sayegh – in contrast, embraced geometric precision through structured compositions. Despite differing approaches, they share a commitment to artistic innovation, offering complementary perspectives on the nature of creativity.

Alfred Basbous, renowned for his sculptures, carved a unique path in the art world, characterized by a profound sensitivity and a distinctive artistic vision. His work, set apart by its exploration of the body's essence and liberation, transcended mere physical form to delve into deeper realms of emotion and existential experience. Unlike his contemporaries, Basbous maintained a quiet allure, resisting the clamour of politics and opting instead for an invitation into his artistic universe. Rooted in a desire to liberate the body rather than the medium, Basbous' sculptures epitomized a longing for transformative contact and separation, alternating between temptation and solitude.

In contrast to the revolutionary fervour of his time, Basbous embodied a serene yet passionate demeanor, infusing his art with a sense of cosmic liturgy and spiritual resonance. His sculptures, often characterized by sinuous curves and elliptical forms, emanated warmth, sensuality, and an understated melancholy, captivating viewers with their lyricism and timeless elegance. Basbous' artistic philosophy, grounded in an unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity, propelled him to continually explore new dimensions of expression. Rejecting the notion of art as mere imitation, he sought to uncover the essence of form through the pursuit of shape and texture, transcending conventional boundaries to attain universal values.

In addition to his sculptural prowess, Basbous ventured into the realm of painting, drawing inspiration from the playful spontaneity of Joan Miró and experimenting with diverse mediums to create rich, textured canvases. His paintings, imbued with a profound understanding of texture and form, reflected a keen curiosity and tireless pursuit of artistic excellence. Despite his preference for solitude and introspection, Basbous approached his craft with total dedication, constantly challenging himself to push the boundaries of expression and seek new answers. He explored the tactile qualities of his materials and also delved into paintings, experimenting with different media and styles, infusing each painting with its own unique character and appeal.

In juxtaposition to Alfred Basbous's organic and sinuous forms, the works of Hussein Madi and Samir Sayegh exemplify a more geometric approach to art, characterized by precise lines and structured compositions. While Basbous sought to liberate the body through fluid curves and tactile textures, Madi and Sayegh embraced the geometric language to explore themes of order, balance, and abstraction. Hussein Madi, known for his geometric abstractions, creates compositions that exude a sense of harmony and symmetry. His meticulous attention to form and linearity stands in contrast to Basbous's organic sensibility, offering viewers a glimpse into a world governed by mathematical precision and rationality. Yet, like Basbous, Madi infuses his work with a sense of spirituality and contemplation.

Similarly, Samir Sayegh's artistic oeuvre reflects a fascination with geometric forms and structures. Drawing inspiration from the principles of sacred geometry and Islamic art, Sayegh's compositions are marked by intricate patterns and symmetrical arrangements. Unlike Basbous's emphasis on the tactile qualities of sculpture, Sayegh's work emphasizes the visual interplay of shapes and colors, creating mesmerizing optical illusions and visual rhythms. Despite their divergent approaches, Basbous, Madi, and Sayegh share a common commitment to artistic innovation and expression. While Basbous explores the body's essence through fluid forms and textures, Madi and Sayegh – with sharper forms and structures - delve into the realm of geometry to uncover the underlying order and beauty of the universe. In this way, their works serve as complementary facets of a broader artistic landscape, each offering a unique perspective on the nature of creativity.