Cuckoo Gallery presents this colourful show of works by Bashar Ali, a self-taught artist, originally from the Middle East and now living in South East England.
His work is a collision of both eastern and western influences: an explosion of colourful imagery and beautiful forms. A spectacular series of works that will get under your skin.
His work is a response to a need for intimacy in a world of isolation imposed as a result of the Covid pandemic.
We asked Bashar to tell us more about this powerful collection of works.
​
"The idea behind this show came as a result of that thing that happened, that big “P” word that we’re still recovering from.
​
When one is facing isolation from the world and the only link is through our devices. This has had a detrimental effect on mental health and all one craves are the simplest of things such as the ability to hug someone and the intimacy that it brings.
​
Those days instigated the prolonged scrolling through Grindr but searching for the thing that that kind of app was never able to offer (well unless it was a fetishized form of a cuddle...)
Seeing people hug on tv or online was better than porn! That hug became the emblem, an encapsulation of freedom that one needed.
​
As a result, it was only natural for me to paint some of these pieces to feel a sense of closeness to what I’m missing." B. Ali
​
Cuckoo's new show joins the Margate's Art Map A number of galleries will be opening new shows on 5 August. A great day to enjoy the Margate buzzing and inspiring art scene, its many galleries, innovative energy and friendly creative community.
