Event details
Bassam Andari is a self taught artist and poet who uses painting to express himself. He uses different forms and styles to show his love of beauty and nature. We are delighted to exhibit a selection of his work at OPEN.
19 August – 2 September
Private View and Meet the Artist: Saturday 27 August. The event starts at 3.30pm
Growing up in war torn Lebanon, Bassam Andari’s artistic inclinations were a way to escape his crazy surroundings. He followed in his father’s footsteps and earned his living as a calligrapher. You will see his Arabic signature “Andari” in some of his earlier paintings and in his calligraphy.
Prior to setting up the exhibition, Bassam recalled some of the most painful times he experienced in his teens. He used to be paid to write by hand the names of civilians killed during the war. They printed his work on posters and displayed them on the streets as memorials for families and friends.
In the years that followed, Bassam Andari abandoned art to become a journalist and broadcaster. It is an ongoing career which brought him to the UK 28 years ago.
In 2014 a journey to Cornwall proved a turning point in his life. The beauty of the scenery mesmerised him and he wanted to paint it. It was at that time when he started painting and began experimenting with mixed media and different styles.
Come and meet Bassam on Saturday 27 August. He’ll be at OPEN between 3.30 and 5.30pm. It is your opportunity to explore (and buy) his work and chat to him about his journey.