Alkaaby’s works will be on view at Sparks Gallery from August 13th to October 2nd, 2022. Opening reception: Saturday, Aug, 13, 2022 from 6-9 p.m. RSVP here. From the gallery: Khalid Alkaaby prefaces his solo exhibition with this phrase: “Finding oneself in the darkness is unsettling. Feelings of fear, loneliness and uncertainty. However, even the smallest glimmer of light in the darkness can bring comfort and hope.” Represented through his characteristic abstract works featuring textural brushwork, muted tones, and dreamlike compositions of pure color, Alkaaby explores the spectrum of emotion, from negative feelings of isolation to positive ones of joy and hope. Creating his abstractions through an unconscious, almost automatic sense reminiscent of the Surrealists of the 1910’s and 20’s, Alkaaby gives form to these sensitivities, with a result many people resonate deeply with when viewing for the first time. Khalid Alkaaby was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, where he was classically trained at the Art Institute. The emphasis the school placed on watercolor studies gave Alkaaby a firm foundation for his oil paintings, and he continued on to work as an artist and ran a successful art studio for some time. However, in 2005, Baghdad underwent immense terrorist bombings and Alkaaby was forced to leave his family, friends, and studio gallery. He immigrated to the United States and began a new life in San Diego, California where he now lives and works as a professional artist. To learn more about Alkaaby or the exhibition, visit the gallery webpage. Related links: Sparks Gallery on Instagram Sparks Gallery on Facebook Hours and visiting information
