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