Ayyam Gallery, Dubai is pleased to announce the solo exhibition of Palestinian painter Oussama Diab, which will be held from January 25 to February 27. Ayyam’s partnership with Diab demonstrates its continued support of emerging talent and commitment to presenting some of the latest trends in Middle Eastern art. With successful sales in the recent Young Collectors Auction and an exciting new body of work that was well- received in a solo show at Ayyam Gallery, Damascus, Diab has been making waves in the regional scene.
Most recently, the issue of nuclear weapons has impacted the artist’s work. “Soon we will all be equal,” he affirms. “We will have the same harm, the same fear and the same instability, even the Mona Lisa will be affected. Even the Scream, these are a call for help.” In a painting titled The New Mona Lisa (2009), Diab emphasizes this point. Wearing a gas mask, da Vinci’s infamous heroine peeks out at the viewer. Nearby is a sign that clearly states “no missiles” and an airplane that appears headed her way. Campy, and bold, there is also a degree of seriousness to the painting, as the artist confirms that it suggests “In the end this is what will transpire, what will capture the whole world. Even the art world won’t be able to escape it.” For Diab, these matters affect us all.
