JEDDAH — Saudi Graffiti artist Hussein AlMohasen believes art is a language and channel of communication, which takes part in many dialogues between spectators and the artist. He said: “I intend my work to be a visual narrative of various experiences and of the way I comprehend the world around me.” The contemporary artist lives in Qatif and is famous for his visionary art depictions using different colors and motifs. He uses graffiti on canvas and paper to explore freedom and the relationship between spaces and calligraphy. In his recent body of work, AlMohasen delves deeper into dialogue with color. “Music plays a big role in my life. Listening to music inspires me but these inspirations are not used in their literal connotations. I like to keep my artwork simple, colorful and to make things different from the way they look in real life!” AlMohasen, who grew up in a household passionate about art, fell in love with art when he was young as six years old. “I had art paintings all around me, on the walls, in books, etc. I was also very lucky in school because I had a very good art teacher. That helped me gain a lot of information I needed at that time. Since I was six-years-old, I have loved colors, painting, books and music. I was lucky to get all the support from my family,” he said. Through his art, AlMohasen tries to alter perceptions with political connotations taking inspiration from music and Arabic poetry. The graffiti artist finds the physicality of creating the particular type of artwork merged with a spectrum of colors quite liberating. “I like to experiment with graffiti art because it's so inspiring to see people all over the world showing how they feel with just a few words, sprayed onto a wall. Colors are very important in my work – the different connotations associated with certain colors embellish what I am saying in my work.” Talking about his future plans, he said: “Making a big size colorful sculpture and traveling to new cities to get inspired.” Al Mohasen has showcased his work in many cities around the world, such as Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Sharjah, Turkey, Egypt, Beirut and Jordan. His series “I Love You Green” explored the themes in Arabic poetry, such as the relationships between spaces and fundamental human rights throughout the world. He hopes to exhibit such works on a bigger scale to various galleries worldwide. “My biggest achievement was the moment when my father called me an artist. It's also an achievement to see so many artists in my country be influenced by my work.” Talking about the progressing Saudi art scene, he said: “There have been so many things going on in the art scene in Saudi Arabia in the last few years. “So many artists are working hard to make new art and we have new art galleries supporting them. “I think this is the time we need more art museums so we can see real art. We also need more art bookstores and libraries, so you can get all the information you need.” He said he hopes to get more support as he finds working full time as a professional artist extremely tough. “It's not easy at all. I think we should get more support for professional artists in Saudi Arabia. I find social media to be very important for artists as now I can show my artwork to people around the world.”
