Taking a bow
May 9, 2006

Ica Wahbeh

Six years ago, 4 Walls, the just opened art gallery, held an inaugural exhibition with a large number of participants. On May 5, it opened its doors to the public for the last time; starting with June 15, it will be no more.
Artists concur it is a “sad” time.

“A loss”, said Muhammad Amiri, an artist himself, “not only for Jordan, but for the Arab world as well, as [the gallery] opened the way for dialogue with others.”
It sure provided a venue for a wide range of cultural activities, enriching the life of the Ammanites and offering an elegant refuge for art lovers.
In its six years of activity, 4 Walls, at the Sheraton Amman-Al Nabil Hotel and Towers, had a rich visual and performing acts programme that included exhibitions, plays and musical performances, lectures and workshops.

When it first opened, under the patronage of Queen Rania Al Abdullah, it featured an exhibition of paintings, sculptures and ceramic works by 20 Jordanian artists. Now, for its last exhibition, its “grand finale”, as Wijdan Ali calls it, 49 local artists exhibit their work in “A “Celebration of Jordanian Contemporary Art”.
A celebration of sorts, as those interviewed expressed disappointment and discontent at losing a place that endeavoured to give as many as possible a platform to assert themselves and their art.
The works on display -- paintings, sculptures, lithographs, etchings, photos, ceramic, an installation and even “fashion” -- do give reason to celebrate. They are a feast for the eye and proof that Jordanian art can easily compete with art anywhere.

The 49 include established artists with resonating names and young, new artists at the beginning of their artistic career.
“More deserve to have been exhibited, but there was not enough place,” said Majida Muasher, the driving force behind the exhibition on the eve of the opening.
She witnessed change over the years: “more production, more competition brought about by the many galleries that opened and by the interest of the corporate world in acquiring art, which shows the trust they have in Jordanian artists, in their skill, talent, creativity, future,” said Muasher.

A tour of the gallery leaves no doubt about the wealth of talent. Exuberant colours, as wide a range of palette as the styles and images displayed, are arranged to complement each other and please the eye.

Mostly abstract, but traditional as well, the works may be the product of different artists and styles but they are in amazing harmony, eliciting feelings of calm and contentment, and inviting to contemplation.
It is rare that a viewer will be allowed into the worlds of 49 artists. Long reflection is needed as one pauses in front of each work to try feel the mood of its creator.
To mention all the names is not possible. To leave out some is not fair. But irrespective of the name, each work is in a league of its own, deserving to embellish the walls of the gallery. The artists will not fade away with the place. But losing such a venue will deprive many, especially among the very young, of a place where to show their talent. And the public of a place to admire art and know the artists.
For the last time, until June 15, art lovers have the chance to visit the 4 Walls. After which the curtain will fall on a stage, with the promise of its owner to open another, giving more chance to artists, Jordanians included, as they have a “special place in my heart” to affirm themselves.

Muasher, who will eventually settle in France where she intends to dedicate herself to art and artists, promised to keep in touch with the artists, to organize exhibitions to which some will be invited. One promise of smile on the sad faces of the artists.