As an internationally renowned Syrian artist, Khaled Takreti uses his canvas as a medium to explore sociocultural issues faced by todays generation, highlighting the desensitized image-saturated age of today. His last exhibition at Ayyam Gallery “LOL” consisted of nine satirical works that comment on the daily life and social situation, subtly reminding viewers of the disruption of normal life in Syria.
Khaled Takreti had a successful exhibition in Beirut and then soon after in Dubai. Following his previous exhibition, Complete Freedom, Takreti applies the same distinct pop art style by creating a collage from sourced images and then etching them into the canvas. The difference in this series is the return of vivid colors that contrast the black and white composition from his previous subtle monochromic and sepia tones. The end result is almost advert-like and distinctly pop — a style without precedent in Syria.
His paintings, although quite humorous, also maintain an autobiographical theme seen in his previous works. Yet they are savagely critical of the mass media production that has lead to shallow values, short attention span and an obsession with the 15 minutes of fame that has become synonymous with consumer culture.
Takreti’s approach to serious social issues with well-balanced dark humor are reminiscent of newspaper cartoonist, graffiti art not unlike the likes of Banksy.
For more information: View some of the artist’s work on display at Ayyam Gallery in Dubai, and like his official page on Facebook for updates on his work.
