In Limbo... recent paintings by Hala Alaouié at 44AD
Hala welcomed me to the space…
…and walked me around her work for an impromptu tour, whisking me away alongside her journey of limbo, between inside and out, between here and there, in no defined place, In Limbo…
The Artist explained the evolution in her paintings, and talked with me of the time she had spent making them. Hala’s energy when presenting her work is magnificent, she really has made the most of her gallery residency experience, and seems to have gained a lot from it.
The lines trailing around the gallery walls (and even across the Artist herself) provide a guide or route of their own inviting you to follow, and while Hala’s painting style is broad and varied, you can absolutely feel a sense of rythym, and a common thread running through this body of work.
Hala Alaouié was selected by 44AD Project Director Katie O’Brien for the (FaB) Bath Open Arts Prize 2021 gallery residency, provided by 44AD artspace.
It is wonderful to know that the opportunities FaB is able to offer through the Bath Open Art Prize, and thanks to the competition’s sponsors, can provide wonderful experiences like this one.
We are grateful to 44AD for your support, and TSL Accounting, Society Café, Minerva Arts Supplies, Somerset Art Works and The Art Society for your contributions, and to the Artists like Hala Alaouié for taking part!
Lifted from 44AD.net and 44AD’s recent email newsletter :
Since December 2021, Hala has worked prolifically in the studios at 44AD artspace to produce In Limbo.
In Limbo presents a series of paintings that symbolise people caught between two stages. These stages could be internal, between the self and the social environment or virtual realities. It is better not to try to figure out ‘what is next’ from these paintings. The interpretation and engagement is personal, as we all have been caught at least once in transit.
Hala moved to the UK two years ago to start her PhD at the University of Bath. Her research is in social policy with a focus on tobacco control. In parallel to her social policy studies, Hala holds a BA in Fine Art.
Being in a creative place like Bath has kept her inspired and painting.
Hala’s art, similar to her PhD is a constant search for a story to discover. She is inspired by song lyrics, people’s stories, visual pictures, events, and other artist’s work, mainly the Fauvism of Matisse, and the line, forms and colours of Paul Klee.
This collection of works by Hala was initiated while she was in Beirut, Lebanon, exploring the theme of ‘introspection’. Two years later, in line with all the changes we’ve been through, the theme has evolved to ‘In Limbo’.
A series of paintings that represent people caught between two stages.
These stages could be internal, between the self and the social environment or virtual realities.
It is better not to try to figure out ‘what is next’ from those paintings. The interpretation and engagement is personal as we all have been caught at least once in transit.
IN LIMBO runs: 16 - 20 Feb 2022, open 12-5pm
at 44AD artspace, 4 Abbey Street, Bath BA1 1NN click for map
No need to book - free admission
Visit www.44ad.net/in-limbo_2022.html for more info
Discover more of Hala Alaouié’s work:
www.instagram.com/bourtoukali3abanafsaji