Bismillah

Sabah Arbilli is an internationally renowned multi-disciplinary artist working with a practice focused on a contemporary extension of traditional Arabic calligraphy. Arbilli’s career as an engineer is evident in his perfected measurements and balanced composition, along with a mastery in letter forms. Arbilli describes his recent paintings as creations made of the urgency to communicate, trying to find the most cogent language through the use of Arabic lettering, as an agent for allegorical narration investigating shifting moral precepts. ‘I create work which may lead to the viewer’s revaluation of prevailing standards in society.’ In Bismillah the power of the brush strokes reflects past and present experiences of his homeland in Iraq. As he connects the brush to the canvas he induces his audience to share with antic energy in his journey. ‘I envisage the lands with the sounds which echo in my soul taking me back to a place where I see harmony and tranquillity. I smell the place and sense my presence and belonging which I capture to share with the audience.’ Bismillah was painted live at Islamic Museum of Australia’s opening in 2014.