Kalyste

Painted in 2004, celebrating the sense of freedom and infinite possibility, Kalyste is characterised by its fluid absence of hierarchical elements, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the apparent disorder of boundless abundance. Distinguished by richly layered hues and repetitive ideograms, the work seeks inspiration from Arab calligraphy and Western Abstract Expressionism. Enabling both line and colour to exist autonomously, Mahjoub Ben Bella’s artistic approach involved creating clear-cut boundaries with the thick application of oil paints on canvas as forceful drippings, embracing the influence of gravity, speed, and spontaneity.

Ben Bella considered his creations akin to graffiti art, offering not so much a visual representation but a documentation of the intrinsic fluidity of paint alongside the blending of various modernist traditions. The artist meticulously selected the palette for each of his paintings, ensuring that the colours harmonise to accentuate the presence of guiding symbols. This attention to detail enabled the artist to craft intricate and vibrant compositions while maintaining sharp clarity, resulting in a harmonious fusion of colours that enchant a splendid array of abstract forms. Ben Bella's work is part of major international institutions such as Institut du monde arabe, Paris; National Museum, Tunis; The British Museum, London; and Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Amman.