Capturing Childhood Joy: The Story Behind "Unica" and a Heartwarming Commission

 Capturing Childhood Joy: The Story Behind "Unica" and a Heartwarming Commission

Art is more than just paint on a canvas; it's a vessel for emotions, memories, and deeply personal stories. In 2020, I had the privilege of creating a commission that perfectly embodied this concept: a painting titled "Unica." This piece, measuring 90x60cm and executed in oil over acrylic on a primed wood panel, captures a poignant moment of childhood joy and familial love. Today, I want to share the story behind "Unica," exploring the emotional depth and artistic process that brought it to life.

 

The Client's Vision: A Nostalgic Journey

My client approached me with a beautiful and heartfelt idea: to immortalize a cherished memory of her childhood. She envisioned a painting that depicted herself as a young girl, sharing a special moment with her grandmother. During our initial conversations, which I always find enriching as they allow me to connect with my subjects, she revealed a sweet detail: her grandmother would always give her a "Unica" chocolate wafer bar (a beloved Lebanese treat by Ghandour) during her visits. This simple act of kindness held immense sentimental value, representing the love and warmth of their relationship.

The Artistic Process: Emotion and Expression

For me, a successful painting is a harmonious blend of emotion and expression. In "Unica," I aimed to capture the fleeting moment just before the exchange of the chocolate bar, highlighting the anticipation and pure joy of childhood. The composition reflects two opposing expressions: the grandmother's gentle, loving gaze and the child's eager anticipation. This contrast creates a dynamic narrative within the painting, inviting the viewer to feel the emotional connection between the two figures.

Technical Details and Medium:

"Unica" was created using oil paint over an acrylic underpainting on a primed wood panel. This technique allowed me to build layers of texture and depth, enhancing the richness of the colors and the overall visual impact. The 90x60cm size provided ample space to develop the scene and capture the intricate details of the subjects.

Do you have a cherished memory you'd like to immortalize in a painting? I specialize in creating custom artworks that capture the essence of your personal stories and emotions. Contact me today to discuss your vision and bring your memories to life.

"Unica" is more than just a painting; it's a testament to the power of memory and the enduring bond between generations. Through art, we can preserve these precious moments and share them with the world. I hope this glimpse into the story behind "Unica" has resonated with you, and I invite you to explore the emotional depth that art can bring.

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Unveiling Emotions Through Abstract Form: A Technical Journey into "Tales of Silence"

 

1. Layering and Texturing: I began by building up layers of paint to create depth and texture. This involved using both thick and thin applications of paint, sometimes incorporating different tools like palette knives or to achieve unique textures.

2.Blending with strong Gradation: For the background, I used a proprietary layering technique called 3D-X to create transitions between warm yellows, oranges, and hints of green. This involved gradually mixing colors on the canvas to create a harmonious and dynamic backdrop.

3. Bold Brushstrokes: The figure at the heart of the composition was rendered with bold and expressive brushstrokes. This technique allowed me to convey emotion and movement without focusing on precise details, capturing the essence of the subject with a realistic depiction.

4. Abstract Realism: By creating strong contouring of the visage and the figure and using abstract forms, I combined elements of realism with abstraction. This approach enables viewers to interpret the painting in their own way, creating a personal and emotional connection with the artwork.

5. Color Contrast: I carefully selected the colors for the figure's attire, using shades of blue and purple to create a striking contrast with the warm background. This contrast not only adds visual interest but also emphasizes the figure's presence within the composition.

6. Layered Textures: To enhance the tactile experience, I incorporated various textures into the painting. This involved using different mediums and techniques to create a multi-dimensional surface that invites viewers to explore the artwork up close.

7. Movement and Vitality: Throughout the painting process, I focused on creating a sense of movement and vitality. This was achieved through dynamic brushstrokes, varying line thicknesses, and the interplay between the figure and the background.

By using these techniques, I aimed to create a visually engaging and emotionally resonant piece that invites viewers to delve into the "Tales of Silence" and uncover their own interpretations and stories.

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Jad Zeitouni - Konooz Art Auction - London - Saatchi Gallery - 2024

My Saatchi Gallery Experience: A Journey Through Contemporary Art with Konooz

Last year, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, from disbelief to pure joy, as I participated in a collective exhibition at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London. It was a dream come true, a culmination of years of dedication to my art, and a significant milestone in my creative journey. This incredible opportunity was made possible by the esteemed Konooz Art Auction house, and I'm thrilled to finally share my experience with you all.

The Road to Saatchi: A Story of Persistence

As a contemporary artist working with acrylic and oil paints, putting your work out there can be daunting. The art world can feel competitive, and the path to recognition isn't always clear. I've faced my share of rejections and moments of self-doubt. But I've always believed in the power of my art and continued to create, driven by an inner passion that wouldn't be silenced. My journey to the Saatchi Gallery wasn't an overnight success. It was built on years of practice, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of my artistic vision.

The Konooz Connection: A Platform for Emerging Artists

I'm incredibly grateful to Konooz Art Auction house for providing this platform for emerging artists like myself. Their commitment to showcasing diverse talent and connecting artists with a global audience is truly commendable. The opportunity to work with them was an honor, and their professionalism and support throughout the entire process were exceptional. From the initial selection process to the final exhibition setup, Konooz handled everything with meticulous care, making the experience smooth and stress-free.

Saatchi Gallery: An Immersive Experience

Walking into the Saatchi Gallery for the first time was surreal. I had visited the gallery as a spectator before, admiring the works of renowned artists, and now, my own contemporary paintings were hanging on those same walls. The sheer scale of the space, the clean white walls, and the carefully curated lighting created an atmosphere of reverence for art. It was a privilege to share this space with other talented artists and to be part of such a vibrant exhibition.

Feyrouz

My piece, Feyrouz, is a contemporary portrait of the iconic Lebanese music legend. It explores the interplay of urban landscapes and human emotion through bold colors and abstract forms in oil. Seeing it displayed in such a prestigious setting was incredibly moving. I remember the conversations it sparked with visitors, the thoughtful questions they asked, and the genuine appreciation they expressed. Connecting with people through my art is what fuels my passion, and this exhibition provided a unique opportunity to do just that. One particularly memorable moment was a conversation with a local Mayor expressing her enthusiasm in my work.

The Auction: A New Perspective

The exhibition culminated in an auction, which was a new experience for me. It was fascinating to witness the energy and excitement surrounding the bidding process. While the auction itself was a separate event, it added another layer to the overall experience and provided valuable exposure for the artists involved.

Looking Forward: The Journey Continues

My Saatchi Gallery experience was a significant milestone, but it's just one step on my artistic journey. It has inspired me to continue pushing my creative boundaries, to explore new themes and techniques within my contemporary style, and to connect with even more people through my acrylic and oil paintings. I'm excited to see what the future holds and grateful for every opportunity to share my vision with the world.

Have you ever visited the Saatchi Gallery? What are your thoughts on supporting emerging contemporary artists? Share your comments below!

Konooz 6th fine art auction

Jad Zeitouni

 #saatchigallery #konouzart #contemporaryart #acrylicpainting #oilpainting #londonart #emergingartist #jadzzeitouni #artauction

https://life.london/2024/06/konooz-a-celebration-of-arab-art-and-royal-patronage/ 

Jad Zeitouni - Annahar News - Lebanon - 2024

 Arabic Version (Original)

Beirut - Written By Mansour Al-Habr

Jad Zeitouni's artistic achievements are characterized by the aesthetics of "confrontation", and by an artistic style that contains within it more than one expressive trend and more than one question. The artist approaches his painting with a sharp, spontaneous impulse, not preceded by preparation, at a calm pace. He begins without fear. He draws with color, and with color he erases what he draws tirelessly, from the beginning of the painting until it is completed.

Jad Zeitouni takes continuous risks and does not hesitate to use the dangerous green color. If we look closely, we come across the composition of the painting, which in turn is subject to shifts and changes that distance us from the prevailing view that composition is a fixed element in the painting. 
A risk, or rather, continuous sabotage at the level of color, and an enticement to a rich spectrum of colors without falling into vulgarity. This illogicality in the casting of color is what most attracts us in Jad Zeitouni's works. It is not the talent represented in knowing the techniques and how to organize the surface of the work that draws our attention, but rather that hidden, ever-changing mood, and how to integrate it into the interior of the work. 

 

 

Left hand
in a painting titled “Levitate”, the artist treats the left hand with a different logic or “mood” than he treats the right hand, and leans over the face of the seated man using the spatula technique, seeing him through the eyes of Dominique Ingres, and showing him through the eyes of Willem de Kooning, amidst violent color strikes that are a departure from the context and logic of the image.

 

 

Jad Zeitouni does not come to us as a student who follows a specific school of art, nor is he the guardian of the structure of an artistic movement that he is working to develop. The strange thing is that he does not adopt a post-modern approach, nor does he work against modernity, nor does he resort to ancient heritage art. He does not pay attention to all these names, because he refuses, it seems, to be the last of the romantics, or to be aligned with the expressionists. 

 

 

The aesthetics of freedom
The concept of aesthetics in Jad Zeitouni's works is a free activity, anxious in thought. Freedom in the artist reveals emotions, imagination and intuition, and allows us to see the artist's dual nature between reason and sensitivity. The artist is good at combining modern art with ancient "classical" art, in a lively and special style.
He takes heritage and brings it into the circle of talk, creates it and proves it. He does not settle on a subject for a long time, as long as the subject is a mute "construction", unless the artist's hand takes it to touch it and is fascinated by it. We see him not spending long on a specific subject, anxious as if the wind beneath him directs it south or north. He may paint his face or the faces of friends, his father, or a group of paintings under the title "The Grass Cutter". We find a painting of his dog, of women and men, another by the artist Andy Warhol and the "Clown" group, Einstein, then Fairuz... 

 

 

Jad Zeitouni, son of Qubaih, Lebanon, is an artist who has refined his artistic experience through diligent individual study. He believes that drawing is a talent that one must delve deeply into to uncover its secrets through a journey of self-discovery. He has had solo exhibitions at the "Klim Gallery" in Beirut, and recently had a solo exhibition at the "Saatchi Gallery" in London.

The Path to self-discovery

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The Unseen Brushstrokes: My Journey as a Self-Taught Artist

The canvas holds more than just colors and forms; it reflects the journey of the artist, the struggles, the triumphs, and the quiet moments of self-discovery. As a self-taught artist in Lebanon, my path has been one of embracing the unknown, navigating uncharted territory, and finding my voice amidst the vibrant tapestry of the Lebanese art scene.

 

Challenges: A Tapestry of Doubts

The absence of formal training often felt like venturing into a labyrinth without a map. The initial excitement was intertwined with a nagging sense of uncertainty. Where do I begin? What techniques should I master? Am I even on the right path?  

 

Self-doubt became a constant companion, whispering insidious questions in the quiet of my studio. Was my work good enough? Did I have the "talent" that those with formal training seemed to possess effortlessly? The isolation of the self-taught path amplified these doubts, making it harder to find a sense of belonging and validation.  

 

Building a network felt like navigating a social maze. Without the connections forged in art schools or established institutions, I had to actively seek out mentors, collaborators, and fellow artists who could offer guidance and support.  

 

Financial instability added another layer of complexity. Balancing my passion with the need to make a living was a constant juggling act. Without the safety net of grants or institutional support, I had to be resourceful, entrepreneurial, and persistent in finding ways to sustain my art and myself.  

 

Rewards: The Colors of Freedom

Despite the challenges, the rewards of the self-taught path have been immeasurable. The freedom to explore my own artistic vision without the constraints of a curriculum has been liberating. I could delve into the techniques that resonated with me, experiment with different styles, and develop a unique voice that reflected my own experiences and perspectives.  

 

The personalized learning journey has been a source of immense satisfaction. I could learn at my own pace, delve deep into the subjects that fascinated me, and tailor my artistic development to my own individual needs and aspirations.  

 

Overcoming the obstacles has built resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep sense of self-belief. These qualities have become invaluable assets in navigating the unpredictable art world and pursuing my artistic dreams with unwavering determination.  

 

Perhaps the most profound reward has been the personal growth that has accompanied my artistic journey. Self-teaching has not only honed my artistic skills but has also fostered self-awareness, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of my own creative process.  

 

Conclusion: Embracing the Unseen

The path of a self-taught artist is a tapestry woven with both challenges and rewards. It's a journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and unwavering passion. By embracing the unseen brushstrokes, the doubts, the struggles, and the triumphs, I've found my own unique voice within the vibrant landscape of Lebanese art.