Archway Gallery Presents

Roots to Revolution

Featuring New Paintings by
M.A. Bhatti 
 
Bhatti - Roots to Revolution
 
August 1 - September 3
Virtual Opening Reception and Artist Talk - Sat. August 1
Watch on Facebook Live 6:30 p.m.
Temporarily Open By Appointment Only
or
 Online; August 1

Roots to Revolution #7, by M.A. Bhatti, Mixed Media on Canvas, 48" x 36"

"Painting for me is like composing a symphony," says Mohammad Ali Bhatti. "Color, textures, forms and shapes are my instruments of creativity." Mohammad's latest series of paintings is deeply inspired by mysticism and the connections between divinity and mankind in the modern world. He draws on the energy around him in creating his paintings, making intuitive responses to the variable sounds, melodies, rhythms, and textures in the classical music he listens to while painting. "I approach the canvas with an idea, a concept, or a theme that inspires me to begin with random marks and shapes."
 
The visual interest in his paintings is heightened by multiple layers of acrylic, oil, resins, spray paint, randomly torn magazine and book pages, design patterns, and calligraphic elements which help him to create rich imagery. He utilizes intense vibrant colors applied in bold strokes, generating an exciting character to his canvases. This series of paintings reflects contemporary conflict, confusion, and the chaotic condition of the world. Complexity of design occurs spontaneously and intuitively in the painting process: layering, overlapping, and juxtaposing forms, signs, and symbols into an interplay of movement and energy. "My ultimate goal," Mohammad concludes, "is to offer the viewer a creation that captures the attention and expands the imagination." In addition to his recent works, Mohammad will also be displaying some of his portraits, watercolors, and Southwestern paintings. 

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Dr. Mohammad Ali Bhatti is an accomplished contemporary expressionist painter who concentrates on themes that are inspired by the mysticism, people, and current social issues around him. Born and raised in Pakistan, he attended local art institutions in his native country at an early age. Subsequently he travelled to the United States and earned an MFA from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Arts from Ohio University, Athens, in 1998. For the last 30 years he has painted and exhibited around the world with 35 solo exhibitions. His work is unique and is collected world-wide. Mohammad lives in Houston and is associated with the Watercolor Art Society of Houston and AO5 Gallery in Austin. He currently teaches a variety of art classes, using a combination of demonstration and hands-on instruction, and has a large committed following of students. Visit his website.

Roots to Revolution #15, by M.A. Bhatti, Mixed Media on Canvas, 24"x24