Nehad Abdulkader was born in the village of Al-Nawfaliyah, Syria. His early life in the city of Raqqa played a significant role in shaping his artistic perspective. After graduating from the Institute of Fine Arts in 2003, Kader opened his own studio and worked as a drawing teacher at an institute for people with special needs. This experience not only honed his skills but also instilled in him a passion for helping others through art. The outbreak of war in Syria forced him to relocate to Lebanon in 2013, where he continued to pursue his artistic endeavors. His time in Beirut was marked by numerous exhibitions, which showcased his unique style and perspective. In 2018, he made another significant move, this time to Kitchener, Canada, where he currently resides with his family.
Abdulkader’s artistic works are a testament to his life experiences, reflecting his childhood, societal concerns, and the political and social reality of his time. His style is characterized by a blend of abstract and expressive elements, often featuring faces that are both emotive and thought-provoking. For Abdulkader, the face is a canvas that evolves over time, serving as a space for his feelings and emotions.
His rich use of colour is influenced by his roots in Syria and the vibrant colour of the Kurdish costume. His paintings reflect his heritage, and the colours seem to dance across the canvas, telling a story that is both personal and universal. He has shown his work internationally in Syria, France, Lebanon and in Canada.
Last month I visited Abdulkader at his 44 Gaukel studio in Kitchener to talk about his upcoming solo exhibition The tree: Faithful guardian and custodian, presented by Grand River Artist Collective. The exhibition runs from June 13 to June 19 from 3-6 pm daily, with an artist reception and artist talk on June 14 at 4 PM. Admission is free and open to everyone, suitable for all ages. This is his first solo exhibition at 44 Gaukel. His large-scale paintings immerse the viewer in the forest of memory and spirit. These organic forms are not botanical studies, but rather charged presences, visual metaphors that oscillate between femininity, fertility, and communal resilience.
Exhibition promotion poster.
Sitting in his studio, I noted that the work in this exhibition seemed to be a departure from his older work that mostly featured faces and figures. I asked him what inspired this exhibition. He said that when he sits down to paint, he doesn’t plan what he is going to paint. The painting leads him; he does not lead it. Since last year he has been making changes to his signature style, while still using the same colours, but he notes that the long, cold, white winters in Canada have found him using more white and gray to reflect the nature and environment here. He says that he has always painted faces but often included elements of nature, painting what he sees and feels, building faces from watching the trees, stones, and water.
In the studio.
There were only a few trees where he grew up, and they meant a lot to him. Those trees are now reborn in his art as the living archive of his earliest bond with the earth. The trees in this exhibition are symbolic and as you look closer you may see faces and figures. He sees something different each time he looks at his own work.
Abdulkader’s wish is that we connect more outside of technology. He hopes that his work opens an emotional dialogue and that visitors to the exhibition are encouraged with messages of community and peace and leave knowing that the earth can fit everyone and there’s no need for wars.
He’s unsure of what’s next after this exhibition, but he knows that he will continue working at a large scale as it gives him more room to explore ideas. He hopes to have more solo exhibitions in different countries so that his art can reach more people and introduce new audiences to his culture. He enjoys teaching and works as a volunteer with the Levant Organization, teaching people with special needs the art of drawing. He’d love to create a large-scale community led art piece using recycled materials that would raise awareness of environmental issues.
Register at this Eventbrite link to confirm your attendance at the reception and artist talk.
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