Tayseer Barakat PALESTINIAN, b. 1959

Early Life and Influences

Tayseer Barakat was born in 1959 in Jabalia Camp, Gaza, Palestine. His artistic journey is closely connected to his Palestinian heritage and the challenging environment of his upbringing. He grew up in a family originally from Al-Majdal, a village that was eradicated in 1948. Barakat's early experiences of conflict and displacement greatly influenced his artistic perspective. He began his education at Abu Hussein School for Boys in the camp and later studied at the College of Fine Arts at Helwan University in Alexandria, Egypt, where he obtained his BA in painting in 1983.

Artistic Philosophy and Style

Barakat’s art is a dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary styles, blending ancient symbols with modern abstraction. His unique approach to colour, texture, and form creates a visual narrative exploring identity, loss, and resilience themes. Barakat's works are not confined to any one style but are driven by intuition, imagination, and the inherent dynamics of the materials he uses.

Career Highlights  

After returning to Palestine post-graduation, Barakat taught art at the UNRWA-run women’s teacher training centre in Ramallah and became a founding member of Al-Wasiti Art Center in Jerusalem, Al-Hallaj Hall in Ramallah, and the Palestinian Association for Contemporary Art (PACA). His works have been exhibited globally, earning him a reputation as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. Barakat's contributions extend beyond the canvas; he is a vocal participant in dialogues about art and culture.

Legacy and Impact

Barakat’s art delves into the human condition, often reflecting on the Palestinian experience and broader themes of flight, freedom, and resilience. His works are deeply personal yet universally resonant, offering insights into the struggles and triumphs of his people. The establishment of 'The New Vision movement' during the first intifada saw Barakat and his contemporaries reassess the role of art in resistance, emphasizing the use of local materials and themes. His later works, such as the "Lightness of Being" series (2017), embody a hopeful outlook despite the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians. These large-scale paintings use vibrant colours layered under dark paint, symbolizing the persistence of hope amid adversity.

In forming New Visions, artists Sliman Mansour, Vera Tamari, Nabil Anani and Tayseer Barakat sought to address a more avant-garde outlook on how art can serve the national struggle, without compromising each artist’s expressive style. Its a movement that resisted the occupation at the time of the first Intifada by boycotting Israeli products and using only natural materials, such as straw, mud, and plant-based dyes.