MOHAMMED SAMI (B. 1984) During the Journey 2015

MOHAMMED SAMI (B. 1984) During the Journey 2015 signed, dated 2015 and inscribed NI acrylic on canvas 199 by 361.5 cm. 78 3/8 by 142 5/16 in. Footnotes: This work is accompanied by a photo-certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. Provenance Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner Exhibited Belfast, Belfast School of Art, The Painting Corner, 2016 Literature The Undergraduate Awards, The Undergraduate Journal, A Collection of Winning Entries from 2016, Volume 8, Dublin 2017, p. 209, illustrated in colour and on the cover in colour Mohammed Sami, born in Baghdad in 1984, is an artist renowned for his evocative explorations of memory, identity, and the aftermath of conflict. Growing up amidst the turmoil of his homeland, Sami's early experiences deeply influence his artistic vision. His work, characterised by its haunting realism and intricate detail, often reflects on themes of displacement and loss, making him a poignant voice in the art world today. Under the regime of Saddam Hussein, Sami witnessed the devastating effects of both political instability and international warfare. He worked in the Ministry of Culture in Baghdad after the start of the US-Iraqi war and was eventually granted political asylum in Sweden in 2007. Sami completed his BFA at Ulster University, Belfast in 2015, and his MFA at Goldsmiths in London, where he lives today. Sami's work has become increasingly popular with collectors and institutions alike, and this summer will see his highly anticipated solo exhibition at the UNESCO World Heritage Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. During the Journey, completed during Sami's final year in Belfast, marked a profound deepening of his exploration into themes of displacement and the lingering effects of conflict. The cultural and historical backdrop of Northern Ireland, with its own complex history of sectarian violence and peace-building, resonated with Sami's personal experiences and influenced his artistic narrative. His paintings from this time often reflect a stark juxtaposition of serenity and unrest, with his use of compositional distortion capturing the uneasy peace that follows prolonged turmoil. In Northern Ireland, Sami developed a more nuanced approach to his subject matter, incorporating elements of his immediate surroundings into his work. This phase was characterised by a blend of realistic and abstract techniques, with a focus on textures and the play of light and shadow. This period not only represents a significant milestone in his artistic journey but also highlights his ability to adapt and respond to new environments, imbuing his art with a deep sense of place and history. Sami's Northern Ireland period thus stands as a pivotal chapter in his career, showcasing his maturation as an artist and his commitment to addressing universal themes through a deeply personal lens. During the Journey is an exceptional work that Sami exhibited in his undergraduate show, helping him win the Undergraduate Award. The work depicts a striking contrast between the vibrant sky and the dynamic composition below, and a dramatic contrast between wildlife and fragmented mechanical objects, perhaps hinting at the contrast of Sami's life before and after leaving Iraq. The butterfly, bird and fish appear only in fragments, symbolising the complicated relationship Sami faced between life and death in his memories from home. The fire and smoke can be interpreted as possibly being inspired by the Eleventh Night bonfires of Northern Ireland, an event deeply rooted in Northern Ireland's history and carrying significant cultural and political connotations. In his present work, Sami explores the interplay between absence and presence, using everyday objects and abandoned spaces as metaphors for loss and the passage of time. His work transcends the personal, touching on universal experiences of displacement, trauma, and the longing for home, yet rarely includes a figure. This absence avoids the depiction of a stereotypical image of trauma and allows each viewer a more personal interpretation. His oeuvre is also heavily inspired by Islamic miniature paintings, as seen in the present work where Sami uses multi-perspectival and compartmentalized spatial configuration to make the familiar unfamiliar. Throughout his career, Mohammed Sami has exhibited his work internationally, gaining acclaim for his ability to merge the personal with the political, creating pieces that resonate on both an intimate and global scale. His work has been showcased in venues such as The Mosaic Rooms in London, the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis, Bonniers Konsthall in Stockholm, and The Drawing Center in New York, among many others. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * AR TP * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium. TP For auctions held in Scotland: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (Constantine, Constantine House, North Caldeen Road, Coatbridge ML5 4EF, Scotland, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please refer to the catalogue for further information. 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