For decades, Ala Bashir has been attempting to change the perception of how humans view life through his surrealist paintings that reflect a reality no ordinary human can imagine.
The Iraqi artist, who was a former professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Baghdad, bases works around his visions of how individuals must figure out the purpose of their existence.
The subjects of his paintings stay in the viewer's mind not only for their unique style but for the shocking reality they portray. The majority of them depict a chair and a human body taking different positions and shapes.
I believe the function of art is not to entertain people, it's there to encourage them to see what's hidden in life
"Art is like science, it's a tool to investigate our existence. It should invite people to see beyond what they see, the artist should encourage people to use what's inside rather than their sight," Bashir tells The National.
His paintings reflect emotional toll of devastating conflicts that Iraq and the world have endured, pushing him to question life.
"I believe the function of art is not to entertain people, it's there to encourage them to see what's hidden in life," he said. "There's tragedy everywhere – so that's why I think art should push people to dig deep into what's good in our existence and how we can become better."
As a surgeon, Bashir is known for pioneering techniques for reattaching hands but, as an artist, he wants to motivate individuals to reconnect with their emotions.
'Predicament of Man'
On Wednesday, London auction house Bonhams will be selling Bashir's Predicament of Man in its Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art sale.
The painting depicts an empty, headless body, with several ravens on top and inside of it.
"I succeed in expressing the suffering of human beings in this painting," he says. "It's just skin, there's nothing inside his body. He's alive and can move, but he's empty because of the external and internal problems that he feels.
"Once a human is born, he's challenged until the end ... by how to live, figuring out their purpose in life but also by violence that surrounds them."
For Bashir, this is the predicament of man.
Born in Khanaqin in 1939, the artist witnessed radical political changes in Iraq from the 1950s up until today, which has shaped his thoughts and artistic techniques.
"Although Predicament of Man was made in 1980, I've had thoughts on this subject before then. I cannot say that I was lucky or unlucky to witness what happened in 1958, 1963, coups and revolutions, that were followed by violence and bloodshed," he says.
Bashir's artistic talent was discovered at an early age by his primary school teacher and he was later encouraged by his father to paint and sketch. He studied medicine in Baghdad in the late 1950s, working to become a doctor by day and by night, painting at the Baghdad College of Fine Arts.
By the end of the decade, Bashir was introduced to a group of artists who pioneered Iraq’s modern art movement and became a member of the Impressionist group. Among these notable names were Hafidh Aldroubi, founder of the Impressionist Group movement, and Jewad Selim, founder of the Baghdad Modern Art Group in 1952.
In 1971, he later obtained a doctorate in plastic surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh and took part in many exhibitions at home and abroad.
Bashir was also part of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s medical team, serving as one of almost a dozen doctors for Saddam for nearly 20 years (between 1984-2003).
He is the holder of many prizes such as the second prize of the Baghdad International Poster Exhibition (1982) and the gold prize of the Baghdad International Art Festival (1988).
Despite all his accolades, Bashir is still trying to find the meaning of life.
"My paintings, whether people agree or not, reflect the questions of life in a different way. Sometimes people don’t get the message because they don't like to be reminded of facts of life," he says.
He is set to hold an exhibition in London next September.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S24%20ULTRA
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Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Director: Kushan Nandy
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
Oppenheimer
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristopher%20Nolan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECillian%20Murphy%2C%20Emily%20Blunt%2C%20Robert%20Downey%20Jr%2C%20Florence%20Pugh%2C%20Matt%20Damon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Drivers’ championship standings after Singapore:
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 263
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari - 235
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 212
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull - 162
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 138
6. Sergio Perez, Force India - 68
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The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
Results:
Men's wheelchair 800m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 1.44.79; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 1.45.88; 3. Isaac Towers (GBR) 1.46.46.
Abu%20Dhabi%E2%80%99s%20Racecard
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday Celta Vigo v Villarreal (midnight kick-off UAE)
Saturday Sevilla v Real Sociedad (4pm), Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (7.15pm), Granada v Barcelona (9.30pm), Osasuna v Real Madrid (midnight)
Sunday Levante v Eibar (4pm), Cadiz v Alaves (7.15pm), Elche v Getafe (9.30pm), Real Valladolid v Valencia (midnight)
Monday Huesca v Real Betis (midnight)
