'Away from daily distractions'

Basra’s Art Space revitalizes creativity with abstract painting sessions and more

2024-09-06 | 16:12

BASRA – In the Al-Abbasiya area in Basra, artist Yasmin Namir has created a sanctuary where she hosts abstract painting sessions through her initiative, Art Space. These sessions welcome young girls from across the city who share a passion for art, offering a vibrant and creative environment where Yasmin teaches her unique painting techniques. In addition to abstract painting, Art Space provides sculpting workshops, glass painting, and candle-making classes.

Speaking to 964media, Yasmin Namir expressed her excitement about resuming the sessions after a brief hiatus due to travel. “We’ve returned to revive the sessions where participants express their emotions through abstract art, a form of therapeutic art that brings peace to the mind and provides a respite from life’s pressures,” she said. “It allows the artist to find solitude with their paintings and colors, away from daily distractions.”

Abstract art, which emerged in the early 20th century, focuses on evoking emotions or concepts through shapes, colors, forms, and gestures, rather than representing reality as seen by the eye. This style is often non-representational, avoiding recognizable objects or scenes from the natural world. Early pioneers of abstract art include Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Piet Mondrian.

Azhar Majid, the owner of Art Space, also spoke to 964media about the center’s ongoing activities. “Art Space continues to host various artistic events throughout the week to stimulate young people’s creative energy and fill their time with artistic and educational pursuits,” Majid explained. “These activities include abstract painting, sculpting, glass painting, crochet courses, candle-making, and other engaging programs.”