Muhanna Al-Durra
Today, we went to Lines Gallery (Jabal Amman, First Circle Area, right next to Wild Jordan Cafe) where they are currently holding a solo exhibition for one of my favorite Jordanian artists, Muhanna Al-Durra, a pioneer in the Jordanian art scene as he was the first to introduce cubist and abstract art locally.
What I really love I love about Durra’s artwork is the fact that I feel like it’s singing- a burst of music suspended in a moment. It’s really a wonderful experience to just look at them.
“I often fail to understand the critics’ writings when they explain my work while discussing its technique, composition, and emotions in a display of complicated terminology, when what counts for me is that simple visual impact is devoid of intellectual symbols but lending happiness to a wall, and although my paintings are candid confessions, they express nothing but themselves.”
- Mohanna Durra, 2006
Some of Muhanna Al-Durra’s work on display [click to enlarge]:
Lines is relatively very small and cozy, it’s also new. I really love it’s setting, in an old house in one of the oldest streets in town and they really played well with the authentic Ammanite feel of the place. The cast iron covering which were probably installed when the house was first built over the huge balconies and the windows are beautifully flaunted. There are citrus trees in the courtyard, and the back balcony overlooks the much-loved view of downtown Amman in the alley and Jbal Il Weibdeh and Al-Qal3a across .
The gallery’s aura of Levantine style works beautifully well with the works of an artist like Durra.
I am not sure how long the exhibition of Muhanna Durra’s work is going to be on display, but I would recommend that you give it a visit as soon as possible if you’re in town.
KeKo
December 21, 2006 @ 1:10 am
sounds cosy, the there portraits are particularly impressive
tommy
December 21, 2006 @ 3:34 am
Generally speaking, I despise abstract and non-objectivist art. I do like those portraits though.
sana
December 28, 2006 @ 8:20 pm
I love Durra’s paintings , looking at them brings joy to my heart.
Usi
January 30, 2007 @ 2:47 am
absolutly breathtaking those paintings ;-) must be a great guy Mohanna Durra
Giampiero Minelli
March 1, 2007 @ 9:26 am
I was the first Alitalia Italian Airlines Representative in Jordan. I met Mohanna in his function as Director of Amman Airport. My wife Patricia and I later enjoyed his friendship through his artistic talent, that he had started developing at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome, Italy. He graciously presented me with two of his paintings: a Bedouin (vertical) and a Dance (horizontal) signed and dated 1965. The Dance is in our home at Grottaferrata, Rome, the Bedouin is our son’s home at Lido di Ostia, Rome.
We are grateful to God for the gift of art He bestowed on Mohanna; we are grateful to Mohanna for having counted us among his friends and for having given the world his masterpieces.
A.R. Malhas,M.D.
January 7, 2010 @ 9:00 am
Abdul Rahim Malhas congratulates you and wish you the best always