Ali omar ermes biography sample
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Believing that the inclusion of sacred texts in contemporary art can lead to the commoditisation of religion, an exception in his oeuvre is a work he created especially for the Beit Al Qu’ran Museum, in Bahrain, which can be viewed alongside collections of the finest historical Qur’ans.
Al Khaa Al Ashhab (1988) is a powerful example of Ali Omar’s inimitable interpretation of the Arabic letter.
Using the letter khaa as the focal point of the work, he evokes a sense of swiftness and speed in its delineation. Recognizing the challenges faced by those seeking refuge, his art lent a poignant voice to their experiences. He was active in numerous cultural institutions dedicated to interfaith dialogue and was the chairman of the Muslim Cultural Heritage Center in London.
«Understanding the evolving dynamics between Libya and Europe, Ali Omar Ermes highlighted the pivotal role of diplomacy and cultural exchange in fostering cooperation.
Throughout this signature body of work, the words and text are always legible. While traditional calligraphers work according to specific dictated demands and standards, Ali Omar paints his letters with free-flowing brushstrokes and an innovative flair that sets his art apart from traditional calligraphy as well as the work of his artistic peers.
In his art, Ermes fearlessly addressed pressing social issues, talking about the marginalized and oppressed.
Through his work titled “Aakhin Aakh,” he presented a plea for justice during the Bosnian-Serb war. In 1974, he returned to Britain after being appointed as a consultant to the director of the World Islam Festival, held in London in 1976.
His artworks wielded the power of conscience and compassion, for he understood the role of an artist as a change-maker. Ermes is the co-founder, and was the co-chairman, of the Forum of Faiths in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
His most recent showings include works on display at the State Hermitage, St Petersburg, Russia (November 2007); the Meem Gallery, Dubai (January 2007 and April 2008); the University of California, Los Angeles Fowler Museum, USA (October 2007/8); the Ghaf Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi (April 2007); the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, USA (May 2007); the Dar Al-Funoon Gallery, Kuwait (March 2008); the British Museum’s ‘Word into Art’, London and Dubai (2006 and 2008); Tate Britain’s ‘East-West: Objects Between Cultures’ (September 2006/7) and Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai (March 2008) as well as in Sotheby's and Christie's auctions in London and Dubai.
Harf al Meem
With a holistic approach, in which all aspects of human existence are considered essential to creativity, his painterly style combined tradition with modernity:
«Ali Omar Ermes’ art emanated a vision that transcended borders and ideologies. The Arabic letters moved on his canvas, expressing symbolism and spirituality».
Addressing Social Issues – Ali Omar Ermes and the stand for justice
Through his art, Ali Omar Ermes addressed social issues: alongside his letters, he issued more overtly political writings addressing a wide range of themes, from freedom of speech and political leadership, the role of the individual in wider society and man’s impact on the natural environment: «Ali Omar Ermes was not content to create art solely for aesthetic pleasure.
He envisioned a principled liberated artistic landscape, where artists could freely express themselves, unfettered by censorship or repression.
To him, art represented the essence of a nation’s identity and future, and he aspired to propel Libyan art toward boundless horizons.
References: Ali Omar Ermes: In Context, Art Advisory Associates, London, 2003.
Ali Omar Ermes, Meem Gallery, Dubai, 2008.
Wijdan Ali, Modern Islamic Art: Development and Continuity, Florida: UPF, 1997.
Ali Omar Ermes
Born in Libya in 1945, Ali Omar Ermes travelled to England to further his education; he earned his diploma in design at the Plymouth School of art and design in 1970 and later attended the Central School of Art in London for a short period.
Ermes has spoken at national and international conferences on a variety of social and cultural issues. His son, Mohammed Ermes tells about him: «He was born in Zliten, a city steeped in artistic expression. Through the universal language of art, he sought to engender mutual respect and appreciation, building bridges of understanding across diverse realms».
Ali Omar Ermes biography
Born in Tripoli in 1945, Ali Omar Ermes was internationally renowned for his beautifully composed paintings based on Arabic literature and letterforms.
His art encouraged us to look beyond borders and recognize our shared responsibilities as global citizens».
Art and Migration – Human Stories through Ali Omar Ermes’s lens
Ali Omar Ermes’ art depicted the complexity of migration, urging us to recognize the impact of geopolitical decisions and conflicts on human lives.
Often in his compositions, such as the piece included here, Ermes focuses on the single letter lam. Ermes’ art transformed into an agent of empathy and understanding, urging us to stand against injustice and promote a world founded on equity and compassion».
The Vision of a Harmonious World – Ali Omar Ermes
Ali Omar Ermes’ art held universal messages of love, compassion, and unity, inspiring dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between cultures.
He also derives inspiration from Andalusia, North Africa, Middle Eastern and other areas of Islamic culture.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ali Omar’s letters are legible, yet his art is very different from calligraphy. Ali Omar selects letters which draw references to art, literature, and historical periods or the penmanship of regions such as the North African Maghribi script or the ThuluthDiwani scripts of Ottoman Turkey.
He worked for a few years writing and researching, travelling frequently, on different artistic and publishing projects until 1981, when he decided to move to England where he lives today with his family. He is active in numerous cultural institutions dedicated to interfaith dialogue and is the chairman of the Muslim Cultural Heritage Center in London.