In the Media


History, joy and sadness; the memories of Mohammed Jaloos caught on canvas. By Hada Sarhan AMMAN – The old streets of Jerusalem and Salt, as well as the concept of human suffering, have been sources of inspiration to Palestinian artist Mohammed Jaloos in his expressive exhibition at his Shmeisani Jaloos studio. Jaloos' 300 works on permanent display are grouped into two sets according to the style of paintings: abstract and realist. He believes that human feeling is the focus of all his paintings be it abstract or realist. "Art is a product of inner conflicts and memories that all become melted in one pot", said the artist, adding "the different memories all present in the moment of creation." For example, he paints Jerusalem as he remembered it as a child, running through its old streets. "Jerusalem has its own secrets the same as water and air do", he said. One of the most captivating pieces of the exhibition is 'The Road to Jerusalem' where the red and pink flowers emerge through old stones on the sides of the Jerusalem path. Another impressive piece portrays the Dome of the Rock, but this time not occupying the centre of the canvas, as is typical, but at the far end of an old, narrow street. 'Salt', another memorable piece shows the old houses of Salt with its churches and mosques. These works depicting old cities are part of Jaloos' project 'Salute to…' where he paints an old city using watercolours. "My paintings are an endeavour to go beyond documenting our cultural heritage to colourfully interpreting reality with the idea of attracting the viewers to the prettiness of our cities", he explained. For his abstract works, Jaloos intricately combines materials like newspaper and fabrics in a manner that lends uniqueness to his work. "I use letters which do not stand independently but within paragraphs", he said, adding that he makes use of the shape of sentences and letters and fits them into the colour circle. Viewers who look at artworks always search for something new, something more than the ordinary and so Jaloos uses unique materials. "I want people to enjoy my work rather than understand it", stressed the artist. "Art should be based on a prettiness that brings joy to our soul." The artist's works show his abilities in the use of colour, especially earth tones – he derives his colours from the land. "Brown and orange are the colours of the land that embrace us, so they suit painting old cities", he said. He added that abstract, modern painting needs to be done using modern oil colours like the gradations of green and blue. The artist explained however, that the use of colours also depends on his inner feelings while working. Taking a step back, Jaloos muses: "My works are the product of this horrible mixture of happiness and sadness." Jaloos was born in 1960 and has a BA in business administration. He later studied painting at the Jordan Institute of Fine Arts and became a member of the Jordanian Artists Association. He is also a member of the Jordan Writers Association, having published a collection of short stories. In addition to the many one-man shows he has held, Jaloos has participated in a large number of local and international group exhibitions. Jordan Times, March 30-31, 2001

History, joy and sadness; the memories of Mohammed Jaloos caught on canvas.

By Hada Sarhan

AMMAN – The old streets of Jerusalem and Salt, as well as the concept of human suffering, have been sources of inspiration to Palestinian artist Mohammed Jaloos in his expressive exhibition at his Shmeisani Jaloos studio.

Jaloos' 300 works on permanent display are grouped into two sets according to the style of paintings: abstract and realist.

He believes that human feeling is the focus of all his paintings be it abstract or realist.

"Art is a product of inner conflicts and memories that all become melted in one pot", said the artist, adding "the different memories all present in the moment of creation."

For example, he paints Jerusalem as he remembered it as a child, running through its old streets.

"Jerusalem has its own secrets the same as water and air do", he said.

One of the most captivating pieces of the exhibition is 'The Road to Jerusalem' where the red and pink flowers emerge through old stones on the sides of the Jerusalem path.

Another impressive piece portrays the Dome of the Rock, but this time not occupying the centre of the canvas, as is typical, but at the far end of an old, narrow street.

'Salt', another memorable piece shows the old houses of Salt with its churches and mosques.

These works depicting old cities are part of Jaloos' project 'Salute to…' where he paints an old city using watercolours.

"My paintings are an endeavour to go beyond documenting our cultural heritage to colourfully interpreting reality with the idea of attracting the viewers to the prettiness of our cities", he explained.

For his abstract works, Jaloos intricately combines materials like newspaper and fabrics in a manner that lends uniqueness to his work.

"I use letters which do not stand independently but within paragraphs", he said, adding that he makes use of the shape of sentences and letters and fits them into the colour circle.

Viewers who look at artworks always search for something new, something more than the ordinary and so Jaloos uses unique materials.

"I want people to enjoy my work rather than understand it", stressed the artist. "Art should be based on a prettiness that brings joy to our soul."

The artist's works show his abilities in the use of colour, especially earth tones – he derives his colours from the land. "Brown and orange are the colours of the land that embrace us, so they suit painting old cities", he said.

He added that abstract, modern painting needs to be done using modern oil colours like the gradations of green and blue.

The artist explained however, that the use of colours also depends on his inner feelings while working.

Taking a step back, Jaloos muses: "My works are the product of this horrible mixture of happiness and sadness."

Jaloos was born in 1960 and has a BA in business administration. He later studied painting at the Jordan Institute of Fine Arts and became a member of the Jordanian Artists Association. He is also a member of the Jordan Writers Association, having published a collection of short stories. In addition to the many one-man shows he has held, Jaloos has participated in a large number of local and international group exhibitions.

Jordan Times, March 30-31, 2001