This artistic event, which continues until December 14, was marked by a poetic reading accompanied by lute, and followed by a signing session of the book “Poetry and Painting”.
In this 198-page book, Laalej pushes the boundaries between painting and poetry by creating a dialogue between these two art forms on his canvases, where the poem comes to life through the nuances of colors.
In a statement to MAP, the visual artist said that the paintings contained in the book reflect the spirit and soul of the artists who left their mark on her own artistic journey, beyond the beaten track, noting that this exhibition includes 39 works with a backdrop of deep and meaningful human stories, within an artistic experience that promotes the convergence between painting and poetry.
In 2019, she received an honorary doctorate from the Forum International des Beaux-arts in recognition of her artistic creations. She is a member of the Permanent Bureau of the League of African Women Writers and the Alliance of Arab Creators. Among his collections of poetry are “Fragments”, “Vagabond Thoughts”, “Mysticity and Plasticity”, “Melhoun and Painting”, “Poetry and Painting”, ”Icons of Feminine Plasticity”.
**2. What role does community play in the creative processes of artists like Laalej?**
Title: Exploring the Convergence of Art and Poetry: An Interview with Visual Artist Laalej
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Laalej. Your recent artistic event, which included a poetic reading and a book signing for “Poetry and Painting,” has drawn considerable attention. Can you share what inspired the integration of poetry with your visual art?
A: Thank you for having me! The integration of poetry and painting came from my belief that both forms can evoke powerful emotions and tell profound stories. In my book “Poetry and Painting,” I aimed to create a dialogue between these art forms, where the essence of poetry comes to life through vibrant colors on my canvases. Each painting reflects not just my vision, but also the spirit and soul of artists who have influenced my journey.
Q: Your exhibition features 39 works, each embodying deep human stories. Can you elaborate on how you choose the narratives that shape your pieces?
A: Each piece is inspired by meaningful human experiences. I believe that art should transcend mere aesthetics; it should resonate with our shared humanity. When creating these works, I reflect on personal stories, societal issues, and the complexities of human emotion. This approach allows me to craft an artistic experience that promotes convergence between painting and poetry, appealing to the audience on multiple levels.
Q: You received an honorary doctorate from the Forum International des Beaux-arts in 2019. How has this recognition impacted your work and your perspective on artistic expression?
A: Receiving the honorary doctorate was both humbling and motivating. It affirmed my belief in the value of cross-disciplinary explorations within the arts. This recognition encourages me to push the boundaries further, to experiment with different mediums and art forms. It has also highlighted the importance of women’s contributions in art, an area I am passionate about, given my involvement with the League of African Women Writers.
Q: You are a member of the Alliance of Arab Creators. How important do you find community and collaboration among artists in today’s creative landscape?
A: Community and collaboration are vital in today’s artistic world. They foster innovation and provide a support network for artists. By working together, we can amplify our voices and ensure that diverse perspectives are represented. The Alliance of Arab Creators, for example, serves as a platform to exchange ideas and showcase our work, enhancing the visibility of artists from our region.
Q: “Poetry and Painting” is part of a broader collection that includes works like “Fragments” and “Mysticity and Plasticity.” Can you provide insights into the themes that these collections explore?
A: Each collection reflects different facets of human experience and emotion. “Fragments” delves into the complexities of memory and identity, while “Mysticity and Plasticity” explores the interplay between the tangible and the intangible in our lives. These themes are integral to understanding the human condition and serve as inspiration for both my poetry and visual art.
Q: As an artist and poet, what practical advice would you offer to those looking to merge multiple art forms in their own work?
A: My advice would be to remain open to exploration and experimentation. Allow your creativity to flow between different mediums without fear of judgment. Start small—perhaps by combining elements of poetry in your visual artwork or using visual inspiration to fuel your writing. It’s essential to build your unique voice through the fusion of forms, leading to a richer artistic experience.
Q: Lastly, what’s next for you and your artistic journey beyond this exhibition?
A: I plan to expand on the themes from “Poetry and Painting” by exploring more collaborative projects that involve both visual and literary artists. The goal is to create immersive experiences that engage the public and allow them to interact with art in meaningful ways. I believe there’s still so much more to explore at the intersection of poetry and painting, and I’m excited for the journey ahead.
Conclusion: Engaging with art through multiple lenses allows us to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world. Laalej’s work not only exemplifies this merging of poetry and painting but also inspires us to consider how we can embrace cross-disciplinary approaches in our creative journeys. For those interested in exploring this further, visit the exhibition before it concludes on December 14.