Fadi Daoud’s usual cast of characters fills the gallery, dervishes whirling in ecstasy and musicians playing flutes, trumpets and accordions. The viewer can almost hear the Arabic music straining to be heard from within the canvas. Among Daoud’s varied influences are Seurat’s pointillism, Picasso’s cubism and the complex geometry of Islamic Art. Experimenting ‘obsessively’ with different styles for the better part of two decades, he developed a technique uniquely his own, creating his final image by first drawing large broad outlines and then filling them with meticulously drawn coloured lines.While maintaining his fidelity to the dual themes of spirituality and Arabic music, Daoud’s recent work represents a distinct stylistic shift. Gone are the thin parallel lines of colour that once snaked within the confines of his musicians’ bodies and their instruments. His new lines are thicker and bolder, erupting out of the borders and bursting into colour across the canvas. The Musician is far less inhibited and exhibits a more overt sensuality than previous works.
Fadi Daoud holds a degree in visual arts from the University of Jordan (2006) and an MA in Islamic Art from the World Islamic Sciences and Education University (2011). He is currently a lecturer in Al-Balqa Applied University. His paintings have been exhibited in Jordan, Syria, Algeria and Abu Dhabi. In addition to painting, Daoud has also directed and co-directed a several documentaries.