A cheery and bright original acrylic painting on linen depicting Jerusalem by Samia Taktak Zaru. Signed and dated on the bottom left as well as the verso. Dedicated to Rosette and Raja, Detroit, 23.7.1985. The painting showcases the city's skyline with modern stylization. Bold orange colors are complimented with definitions of royal blues and greys. Dimensions: 19h x 46w (unframed). In very good vintage condition.
Samia Taktak Zaru was born in Nablus, Palestine, in 1938. She graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the American University of Beirut in 1958, then continued her studies in the U.S at the Corcoran School of Art and Design and the American University of Washington D.C. She taught seminars in art education at the UNRWA Amman Teacher Training Center. In 2000 Zaru was named Woman of the Year by the American Geographical Institute. In 2012 she received the Takreem award for cultural excellence. A multimedia artist and an educator, her works include paintings, sculptures, book illustrations, murals, engravings, and design. In her works, Zaru always pursues identity by addressing the Arab heritage in decoration, fashion, and embroidery and by using local material as dyes, wood, and ropes. The artist mixes media and material; she juggles between acrylic, oil, and watercolor; her metallic structures could include embroideries; her abstract forms could combine with the handy craft. Zaru still lives and works in Amman.