Omar El Lahib at Saatchi Yates London gallery
6th March - 10th April
Saatchi Yates presents Omar El Lahib’s second solo exhibition. El Lahib, a Lebanese artist, creates enigmatic landscapes that blend fantasy and reality, inviting viewers to form their own interpretations. His work, influenced by Dutch masters, Klimt, and Munch, features vibrant colors and abstract forms. Ethereal female figures serve as links to the dreamlike universe of his paintings, challenging traditional gender roles.
El Lahib, a nocturnal artist, believes in the transformative magic of the night where nature and humanity merge. His Cologne studio is a testament to this belief, where his art initiates a dialogue between the artist and nature. Dina Bizri Zaki observes, “El Lahib’s preference for the night reveals a realm of perpetual reimagination, where everything has the potential to transform.”
Born in Sidon, Lebanon in 1986, El Lahib moved to Cologne after studying Fine Art at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. He values the focused discussions he had with successful painters there, acknowledging that ‘paintings don’t arise in a vacuum.’ El Lahib states, “My painting is about color, form, accuracy, and especially the human being with all his tributes! Everything in painting is equally important to me.”
Zaki adds, “Omar’s figures inhabit a universe illuminated by stars and radiant flowers. Despite defying conventional logic, everything coexists harmoniously. The artist uses these figures to evoke a connection between the viewer and the dreamlike universe.
Angel Wings, 2019 - 2023, left Oil on canvas, 160 x 300 cm
The Harvest, 2023, right Watercolour on paper, 38 x 53 cm
Heavens Place, 2022-2023, Oil on canvas, 170 x 155 cm
Lover's corner, 2023 left Oil on canvas, 155 x 200 cm
Spring Dew, 2022-2023 right Oil on canvas, 155 x 200 cm
Dream, 2022-2023, Oil on canvas, 175 x 155 cm
Visions of Galaxies, 2023, right Oil on canvas, 189.9 x 260 cm
Sunflower Child, 2022-2023 Oil on canvas, 155 x 200 cm
Midnight, 2022-2023 left Oil on canvas, 200 x 154.9 cm
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Recent Exhibitions
Inspiration & Education
Opinca Leather Sandals Series
With meticulous trinkets and symbols from Maramures infused into the dress design, Opinca leather sandals has both character and long-lastings mesmerising appeal. Inspired by old Transylvanian tales, blossoms and stems get tangled together with colourful wild leaves, in a timeless floral pattern.
Against a backdrop of astonishing cloudy blue skies, Opinca leather sandals becomes a resounding statement of authenticity and honor, an ode to the immortal folklore and cherished traditions of our heritage. Step into the world of Opinca and embrace the legacy of Maramures with every elegant stride.
Composition
Mixed media on canvas
100 x 70CM/39.3 x 27.5INCHES
Wood frame
Deep 1.6CM/0.6INCHES
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