Omar Najjar - Fann A Porter

Amman - Jordan - 4 March to 4 April 2020

Omar Najjar, Shredded, 2020, oil on canvas, 130 x 280 cm

OMAR NAJJAR
RHAPSODY
4 March - 4 April 2020
Opening reception: Wednesday, 4 March from 7 - 10 pm
Fann A Porter Amman, Manara Arts & Culture, Amman, Jordan

Series of oil paintings depicting orchestras in action
The artist’s contemporary impressionist style conveys the passion and sound of the music itself
By focusing on the collective rather than the individual, Najjar is making a comment on the human condition

"The best way to paint music is to paint the orchestra" – Omar Najjar
 
The Workshop and Fann A Porter present Rhapsody, a series of oil paintings by Jordanian painter, Omar Najjar.

Najjar has a long interest in humanity and his bold brushstrokes and use of oil painting as a medium combine into a style of contemporary impressionism, the subject of which is usually everyday tasks that seem mundane but are given new dimensions in his work.

About the Exhibition
 
In Rhapsody, the paintings explore the collective act of orchestral music. Each piece of this new collection depicts orchestra players in action. Each individual has their role but to complete the ensemble and allow the music to play, they must also listen to each other – both instrument and player. By focusing on the collective rather than the individual, Najjar is making a comment on life and how a healthy society functions.
 
Although painting a static scene, Najjar’s use of broad brush strokes, blurred lines, and swathes of color convey movement, energy and even the sound of the notes. By revealing his process through imprecise markings, it is as if Najjar is letting his viewer into the feelings he has for the music and for the act of playing collectively in rhapsody. Rather than concentrating on the figures or the instruments, Najjar is painting the music itself.
 
Omar Najjar says: “Music is one of the highest forms of art and it has a very abstracted nature. The orchestra is one of the most elegant musical outputs and whether it is from East or West, there will be no ego or competition between the players. All are together so that when you hear their music it feels natural like it has been made without a maker. If you look at each person’s presence in my paintings, you’ll see that it highlights the whole rather than the individual. Each member is equally important and the best way to paint music is to paint the orchestra”.
 
Ghada Kunash says: “Omar has an uncanny ability to make his viewers take stock of everyday actions and the small details of life. He pours emotion into his paintings and his skill is undoubted. This series really makes you reflect on how we live and makes us realize how we must work together as a community to create the music of life.”
 
Rhapsody by Omar Najjar runs from 4 March till 4 April 2020.

About The Artist

Omar Najjar is known for his innovative style that he describes as “structured chaos.” His paintings come across as a modern take on impressionism; their quotidian subject matter is elevated to the sublime, providing a profound, if understated, view of the human experience. Expertly manipulating oil, pastels, and charcoal, Omar’s instantly recognizable work is characterized by broad brushstrokes that give a suggestion to the story without giving the details fully.
 
Born in 1992 in Amman, Jordan, Omar Najjar graduated from Jordan University’s Fine Arts Department. The artist group and solo exhibitions include The artist group and solo exhibitions include BBA Gallery, Berlin, Germany (2019), Manara Arts & Culture, Amman, Jordan (2019), Zara Gallery, Amman, Jordan (2018), Wadi Finan, Amman, Jordan (2016); Al Bareh Gallery, Bahrain (2016); Fann A Porter, Dubai, UAE (2015); Nabad Art Gallery, Amman, Jordan (2014).
 
Omar Najjar’s works are housed in various private and public institutions including the Palestine Museum, USA.

About Fann A Porter

Fann A Porter is a contemporary art gallery that represents a diverse selection of emerging international and regional artists. The gallery aims to nurture the burgeoning and dynamic contemporary art scene through quality exhibitions, non-profit events, auctions, and an active community program. Fann A Porter has locations in Dubai, UAE, and Amman, Jordan.

The Dubai gallery is based at The Workshop, a unique inter-disciplinary community space consisting of a cafe, art gallery, sustainable store, and design space, providing visitors with a diversified artistic and cultural experience.  Bathed in natural sunlight with its garden, The Workshop is located in the heart of Jumeirah in Dubai. 

Fann A Porter Amman is located at Manara Arts & Culture, a creative hub and social space in the heart of Jabal Al Lweibdeh.
 
For more information and for interviews with the artist, please contact the gallery on +971 559480363 or email [email protected]

Villa 45, St. 23b, off Al Wasl Road opposite Box Park, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, UAE
M +971 55 136 9454 T +971  4 341 2595