About
In the realm of painting, Moataz Alqaissy (°1986, Baghdad) demonstrates a thoughtful approach, exploring the possibilities of the medium and challenging its conventions. Influenced by artists like Sam Gilliam and Simon Callery, Alqaissy seeks to redefine the essence of painting itself.
Rather than accepting the notion that painting has reached its limits, Alqaissy pushes its boundaries, pondering questions that resonate within art history. He explores the spatial relationship between a painting and its environment, seeking to transcend imposed limits and redefine what constitutes a painting.
Alqaissy draws inspiration from his dual cultural heritage, having grown up in Iraq and now residing in Belgium, gracefully navigating the delicate balance between two worlds. His artistic journey is shaped by profound experiences influenced by the realities of war, instability, migration, and displacement. These experiences have left a profound impact on his artistic expression, evident in certain works.
In each brushstroke, one can perceive the resilience and longing for stability forged from a turbulent past. The liberated canvases become vessels for personal narratives of struggle and hope. Alqaissy’s paintings bear witness to the complexities of human existence, delicately intertwining threads of memory and reflection.
However, Alqaissy humbly refrains from positioning himself as an activist, allowing his paintings to serve as an extension of his personal narrative and experiences. By freeing the canvas from its traditional function, he creates a space for the emergence of free forms, inviting viewers to contemplate universal aspects of human emotion and resilience.
Within the artist’s studio, a vibrant interplay of colors, forms, and textures unfolds. Alqaissy seeks harmony in this dynamic process, continually refining and balancing the primary and painterly elements. His artistic journey becomes a metaphor for self-discovery and transformation, reflecting the challenges faced in the aftermath of upheaval.
As you immerse yourself in Alqaissy’s artistic universe, you are invited to witness the interplay between tradition and innovation, form and emotion. His paintings serve as visual dialogues, evoking personal connections that transcend cultural boundaries. Alqaissy expands the horizons of painting, encouraging us all to dream beyond rectangular planes and embrace the limitless possibilities that await.
Master Visual Arts
2020-2021
Specialisation Fine Arts. Painting, Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp
Bachelor Visual Arts
2017-2020
Specialisation Fine Arts. Painting, Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp
Visual Art
2008
Painting.
College of art | Baghdad University
Prizes and grants
Marianne van Vyve prize
2021
Royal academy of fine arts Antwerp
Art residencies
Tenjinyama Art residency Sapporo , Japan
15/10-30/11 2022
Gallery
Geukens & De Vil
contemporary art gallery
Leopoldplaats 12
Solo exhibitions
“Just a little pinprick”
03/09-01/10/2022
Solo exhibition at Gallery Geukens en De Vil Leopoldplaats 12 Antwerp
To Be Antwerp
26/11/2021
Solo exhibition at Gallery Geukens en De Vil Leopoldplaats 12
Antwerp
Group exhibition
Twist.Add.Stack.
01/7 -31/7 2023
A group exhibition featuring the works of Leen Van Tichelen, Hilde Overbergh, and Moataz Alqaissy at the Hilde Vandaelen Gallery in Watuo, Belgium.
Square-shaped Heart.
8/11-24/11
Duo exhibition with Inge Trienekens, at CAI03 gallery, Sapporo , Japan
Larey G’s Living Room
15/9-15/10
Group show invited by Coppejans Gallery Antwerp
A Wild Thing
21/4/2022
a trio show featuring Alessio Capone Max Beets
And Moataz Alqaissy
Sur Un Parquet Bien Ciré
24/2/2021
Group exhibition at Martin van Blerk gallery, Mechelsesteenweg 18 Antwerp
FAAR
29/10/2021
Group expo./open studio in Hertstraat Deurne, Antwerp
Terrain Vague
04/09/2021
Group expo. At Plein magazijn Antwerp
Encore
01/07/2021
Master expo. Huidevettersstraat 39, 2000 Antwerp Group exhibition curated by Spank Moons
Master Expo 2021
24-27/06/2021
Lange Zaal, Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp
PICTU>RE>IMAGE
05/2021
Group exhibition curated by Spank Moons
Wintertuin Royal academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.
IN OUR FACE
October to November/2020
Artists initiative.
Bar Leon, a series of exhibitions around the city of Antwerp.
Tangier group exhibition
03/2020
Participation in a book group edition number 2 at Tick Tack Gallery Antwerpen
10×1
12/2019
Group exhibition at the Royal academy of fine arts Antwerp