Formation

In this series of works on paper, Shakir Hassan Al Said continues his meditative approach to art. Drawing on mystical philosophy, he employs watercolour to create a soft, transparent quality that gently engages with the viewer’s emotions.

In the blue “Formation” MAT.2007.1.1367, the shapes seem to float on the surface, while dots and the Arabic letter waw repeat rhythmically, almost like a ritual. The letter waw could suggest the idea of the unity of existence, and the dot could represent the origin of all things.

Al Said uses the dot again in another “Formation” work, MAT.2007.1.1415, placing it within a structured grid. At times, the dots overlap; at other times they appear more organised. This network of grids and dots can be seen as a visual reflection of the unity of the universe in his Sufi worldview.

In the violet “Formation” painting, MAT.2007.1.1365, Al Said pays special attention to the paper itself. The grid appears woven into the fibres, creating a slightly tense, uneasy atmosphere. The shapes hover within this mesh without a clear system, yet they still seem connected, as if in quiet conversation.

Unlike the earlier works, where elements spread in many directions, this piece of “Formation”, MAT.2007.1.1412, has three central dots that recall the burn marks and holes found in Al Said wooden panel works. The surrounding shapes move around them in a circular motion, leading toward a faint white vortex at the centre. This gives the composition a cosmic quality, highlighting Al Said’s spiritual view of the universe and the interconnectedness of all things.