Hussein Madi (Lebanese, born 1938)
Untitled
acrylic on canvas
signed 'MADI' and dated '76' lower left and on the verso, executed in 1976
101 x 120cm (39 3/4 x 47 1/4in).
Footnotes:
A rare and important 1970's abstracted letterform composition by Hussein Madi

Provenance:
Property from a private collection, Beirut

Hussein Madi's stunning large-scale composition is a masterful exploration of the abstract potential of traditional Arabic letterforms. The painting, created in the 1970s, features angular depictions of the word 'Allah' rendered in bright, vibrant greens and reds. Madi's interpretation of the letterform is a radical departure from the traditional, ornate calligraphy that has been practiced for centuries, and instead reduces the letterform into abstract shapes and signs used purely for artistic value.

The painting features the word 'Allah' adapted into a crisscross pattern drawn with thin lines, with the letters almost rendered illegible. However, legibility is not important in this work; instead, Madi's focus is on the architecture of the letterform and how it can be manipulated for artistic expression. The result is a mesmerizing and powerful work of art that challenges traditional ideas of representation and invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between form and meaning.

Hussein Madi is a Lebanese artist born in 1938 who is known for his innovative and experimental approach to calligraphy. He received his education at the LEbanese Institute of Fine Arts and Rome and has exhibited his work extensively throughout the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Madi's work often incorporates elements of geometric abstraction, and he has been praised for his ability to seamlessly merge traditional and contemporary artistic techniques.

Madi's painting is a testament to his ability to push the boundaries of traditional modes of representation while still maintaining a deep respect for the art form's history and cultural significance.
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