Balance in the Circle - Baseem Rayyes

Painting entitled (Balance in the Circle) by the artist (Baseem Rayyes), year of production: 2013, size: 140x100 cm, Medium: Mixed media (basic: acrylic) on canvas.

"You use a glass mirror to see your face, and you use works of art to see your soul."

This is how the Irish author George Bernard Shaw described art.

Art is regarded as one of the most exquisite reflections of reality, the highest means of expressing what occupies our minds and what hides in the depths of our souls.

Among the most notable artworks that embody our humanity and resonate with our emotions in a transparent manner is the series of paintings by the artist Baseem Rayyes, featuring the character "Why," created over fifteen years ago, inspired by the English word "why."

One particularly striking piece in this series is titled "Balance in the Circle."

Baseem, the Syrian expressionist painter with a rich artistic career spanning many years, has successfully interpreted the mystery of the human psyche, explaining emotional states and the complexities of human thought through unique methods.

He has delved into assorted topics, guiding us on a remarkable journey through the wings of his talent while exploring diverse places and cultures. "Why" asks on behalf of the art connoisseur, while his creator provides creative answers, offering us this distinctive series with a profound philosophical dimension.

In the foreground of this artwork, the figure's body is cloaked in deep black, embodying the profound darkness that has seeped into his very soul. This shadow arises from the chasm separating his reality from his aspirations for a better life. These wishes emerge as letters scattered across his body in light grey, symbolizing the fading hope of achieving them. The posture appears unstable, as if it is struggling desperately to avoid falling. His feet reveal internal struggles between surrender and resistance.

One foot firmly clings to the ground, indicating his determination to survive and reach his goal, while the water inundating the ground mirrors a sense of illusion and instability.

The other leg, however, raises uncontrollably, striving for balance in the pale yellow void filled with light and dark shadows, brooding shadows that loom ominously, reinforcing a deep sense of despair. Yet, this feeling is broken by the optimism shining in the character's gaze, looking intently towards the sky, carrying a sense of longing and aspiration.

In any artwork, it is essential for the viewer to give the piece enough time to contemplate it, savour it quietly, enabling them to read it accurately. One must pause at every detail, reflecting in silence with a clear mind to appreciate the fruits of creativity, the dedication involved, and recognize the true value of the piece. In one of the smallest details of this painting, we delve into the most intense sentiments of "Why," which serves as a strong indication of a depth of expression and elegant performance, far removed from affectation and exaggeration in conveying feelings.

We notice small droplets escaping randomly from the pores of his head, weaving their way through his hair, scattering in the nearby space around his upper half, in colours such as blue, green, and orange—vivid hues that contrast sharply with the muted tones dominating the overall atmosphere of the painting, as if they represent a voice announcing the impending eruption of his thoughts.

This outburst stems from the intensity of his questions and his confusion in the maze of chaotic reflections.

In the lower part of the artwork, behind the foot resting on the ground, we see a collection of circles, some in bright red, others in dark red, with some blended by the artist with touches of light grey, providing his definitive answer to the character: "Yes, Mr. Why, it is the wheel of days… It harshly spins to grind your wishes and dreams, so hold on to faith, cling as best you can."

As we draw the curtain on this scene that embodies a deep, engaging dialogue, we feel as if we have transitioned to another world, where hopes and pains embrace in a space filled with shades and emotional outbursts.

We are immersed in the aesthetics of the painting, engaging in an honest conversation with ourselves as we seek to understand its purpose. We strive to fulfil it at every moment, ensuring the wheel of days does not pass by without dimming that radiant light dancing within us, rendering us wandering shadows in a dark, monotonous, gloomy universe devoid of life.

In conclusion, this work not only urges us to dive into the depths of our emotions but also resonates in our minds as a reminder of art's ability to embody the human condition and inspire hope amidst despair.