Baseem Al Sharqi born in 1976

Member - Plastic artist home

Member Emirates Association for plastic arts

Member Culture and arts society Jeddah

Personal Exhibitions

Triple exhibition at Plastic artist home in 2004

First personal exhibitions at Jeddah Gallery in 2005

Second personal exhibition (The silent and forgotten) in Jeddah 2007

The silent and forgotten in Abu Dhabi 2008

Artistic Participations

Exhibitions - Plastic artist home since 2001

Exhibitions - General Presidency for youth welfare since 2002

Exhibitions - Contemporary art Saudi center since 2003

Exhibitions - Jeddah Gallery 2004

Exhibitions - Rasama Gallery for arts 2003

Exhibitions - Wafa Al Khail (Horse Loyalty) Riyadh 2004

Exhibitions - Tabadul (Exchange) Sharjah Artistic Museum 2005

Exhibitions - Hafat Al Maa (Water Edge) 2006

Exhibitions - Saudi Culture Week - Germany - Cairo, 2006

 

Bassem ALSharqi, a renowned artist in Saudi Arabia, has an impressive list of exhibitions under his belt. His work reflects the vintage style of Pop Art through a mix of mediums, such as collage, spray-paint, and silk screening.

Bassem's art is often characterized by iconic images, such as the Mona Liza or a classic VW Buggy. When asked about the significance of bringing such images to the Arab world, he replied "These images are universal; they no longer just belong to the Western world". Bassem argues that the subjects he depicts in his artwork are just as recognizable to Arabs as they are to the people of their countries of origin.

His goal is to create novel iconic symbols that represent this new generation of Arabs. "My grandma used her sewing machine that was made in China and that is more a part of my heritage than the dalla (traditional teapot), which is considered to be a symbol of Saudi culture." He asserts that the symbols usually associated with Saudi culture are now outdated and need to be replaced by images that the existing generation can relate to. His art is such an attempt. By representing the contemporary through a vintage medium, such as silk screening, Bassem is "combining the classic with the modern", in order to bridge the chasm of past and present.