Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Category: Culture
Algiers – Algerian visual artist Nawal Belal is showcasing a collection of her latest works in Algiers under the theme “The Logic of Birds.” The exhibition, held at the Franz Fanon Gallery in Ryad El Feth, features 60 paintings that delve into the artist’s contemplative view of spirituality, Sufism, and life’s transcendental aspects.
Each piece in Belal’s exhibit reflects her unique perspective on mysticism, inspired heavily by Quranic stories and the legacy of prophets and saints, as well as Algeria’s rich cultural heritage. Her paintings embrace abstract forms, using symbolism and hidden meanings that invite viewers into a meditative experience, engaging with shapes, symbols, and color gradients that resonate on a deeply spiritual level.
Prominent in her work is the use of blue and gold, colors chosen to evoke the beauty of religious tradition, legends, poetry, music, and Sufi rituals. Birds—a recurring theme in her paintings—symbolize for her a timeless, spiritual entity transcending place and era.
This exhibition also pays homage to Algeria’s revolutionary history, as it commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Algerian Revolution, dedicating the show to Emir Abdelkader. Belal, deeply inspired by the Emir’s spiritual and intellectual legacy, describes him as a humanitarian whose life was shaped by profound spiritual convictions and cultural knowledge.
Speaking on the dedication, Belal shared her admiration for Emir Abdelkader, whom she regards as both a spiritual and political figure whose life embodied Sufi principles. The exhibit, running until November 10, is her tribute to his enduring influence.
An autodidact, Nawal Belal has been exhibiting her work since 1998, employing oil, acrylics, and various mixed media. Her artistic journey has included both solo and group exhibitions in Algeria and abroad, with her art consistently centered on themes of mysticism and spirituality.
For more information, please visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: nor-eleslam
Art exhibition by Nawal Belal in Algiers
