Omar Hassan's Punches Forge Creations, Not Mayhem

Having exhibited his art in cities such as Miami, New York, London, Berlin, and Milan, Omar Hassan's creations found their way to the Royal Palace of Palermo, where he propagates a message of creation, not destruction.

Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆

Black #7 Berlino from Omar Hassan’s “Breaking Through” Series

PALERMO, Sicily — Stepping into the Royal Palace of Palermo for the first time was a momentous experience — one that I’ve been dreaming about for years. Like most visitors, the main reason for my visit was the Palatine Chapel (La Cappella Palatina), a sanctuary that weaves together a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic styles: Byzantine, Norman, and Arabic.

What I didn’t expect on this visit, however, was the delightful surprise of running into contemporary art within this historical treasure trove. For those fortunate enough to explore the Royal Palace of Palermo between March 24th and October 1st, a unique treat awaits: the solo exhibition, PUNCTUM, featuring one-of-a-kind works by artist Omar Hassan.

Born to an Italian mother and an Egyptian father, Hassan grew up at the crossroads of two worlds, encompassing both Christian-Catholic and Muslim traditions. The harmonious blend of these diverse backgrounds resonates throughout the Royal Palace of Palermo, a symbolic meeting place of cultural legacies dating back to the reign of Frederick II (1197-1250), the King of Sicily.

Without prior knowledge of the artist, my initial impression of Hassan's work centres on the interplay between classicism and contemporaneity. Upon entering the exhibition room on the palace’s ground floor, one sees — in an almost pitch-black space — a spotlight illuminating a sculpture of Nike, the goddess of victory.

Taking a closer look at the goddess, one can't help but notice a distinctive feature: Nike is portrayed with a prominent, protruding belly. Known as Pax, or the Pregnant Nike, this site-specific sculpture was crafted by Hassan exclusively for this exhibition.

Elevated upon a pile of paint-stained boxer gloves, this thought-provoking depiction of the goddess has been a source of fascination for Hassan over the years. "Nike is a symbol of Victory, but also of Freedom. Art, in its highest expressions, emphasises and acquires new meanings," the artist writes.

Pax is a site-specific sculpture that shows the Pregnant Nike standing on a pile of paint-stained boxer gloves.

It's intriguing to think whether these paint drips are adorning or defacing this pair of classical sculptures.

As I venture further, I find myself in the exhibition's most well-lit space. At the heart of this “Hall of Mirrors” stand two identical classical sculptures. Cascades of paint in various colours descend from their visages, evoking the practice of graffitti. The act of dripping paint on these sculptures raises questions about whether it enhances their beauty or echoes iconoclasm — the destruction of religious images as heretical. Simultaneously, it challenges viewers to reconsider the ideals of classical art.

The artist's story unfolds in Map of Palermo, where the canvas is seen encased in a plexiglass display. What appears to be a pixelated map of Palermo from a distance reveals itself as a composition of thousands of individual spray can caps — specifically, 8,928 spray can caps, each meticulously hand-painted.

Omar Hassan's work had showcased in cities like Miami, New York, London, Berlin, and Milan, but this exhibition marks his debut in Palermo. Hassan reflects on his observation, stating, "In big cities, there is a clear distinction between the centre and the suburbs. In Palermo, the center and some not-so-easy neighbourhoods are almost adjacent. I think this is a first symptom of integration.”

In this site-specific work, Hassan embraces an anti-hierarchical approach, exploring the theme of places as central hubs for gathering and exchange. This perspective encourages viewers to perceive the city from a fresh and unique angle.

Omar Hassan’s Map of Palermo is a site-specific work that employed 8928 spray can caps, each hand-painted by the artist.

Many viewers might initially interpret Hassan's “Break Through” series, which seemingly capture the spectacle of a nighttime fireworks display, as just another example of abstract expressionism, where colours are splashed or dripped onto the canvas. Indeed, the artist draws inspiration from luminaries like Pollock, Fontana, and Manzoni, whose action paintings embody the spirit of new philosophies and concepts. However, Hassan's creative process is uniquely surprising to those who delve into it.

For each painting, Hassan creates a video, serving a dual purpose as both documentation and authentication of his work. In these videos, we see the artist painting — not with a brush, but with his fist, or more precisely, his boxer gloves, giving life to colours on the canvas. “Breaking Through” showcases the artist's distinctive technique of painting with his fists, a method that has gained recognition as a hallmark of the boxer-artist. The series celebrates the art of boxing in 121 canvases, each representing the 121 rounds fought by the artist during his boxing career.

Omar Hassan, a research artist who graduated from the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, now splits his time between Milan, his birthplace, and Miami. His 36-year artistic journey has been in a constant state of evolution, much like the ongoing challenges we all face in our lives. However, his “Breaking Through” series work serve beyond mere documentation of his boxing career — they encapsulate his life philosophy.

Hassan draws a parallel between boxing and life, explaining how each of us is the architect of our own life, as as “if we fall to the ground we have to get back up, we have pauses in a corner, but then we are forced to fight again.” On one of the canvases within the exhibition, the artist inscribed the phrase, “Siamo tutti pugili!” which translates to “We are all boxers!”

What resonates most with me when standing in front of Hassan’s work is the sheer action — the kinetic force that deposits colours onto the canvas.

“I’m not punching to destroy, I’m creating,” proclaims the artist. This cold declaration also seems to echo the essence of the Pregnant Nike, where the artist envisions that victory should also usher in a sense of peace. Whether it's boxing gloves or spray paint, as explored in his other series, “Injections and Lights”, the unmistakable “street art” aesthetic and a sense of accessibility are evident across his creations.

No Filter presents two classical sculptures: one facing the spectators in its near-pristine state, while the other turns toward the background, seamlessly merging with the paint-dripped canvas.

Black #19 Tempesta Amazzonica from Omar Hassan’s “Breaking Through” Series

PUNCTUM is a collaborative endeavour between Omar Hassan and the Fondazione Federico II. The Royal Palace of Palermo presents itself as an unparalleled venue for the artist to showcase his work. It's not merely a historic gathering place for the diverse cultures and people of the past; it's a hub where ideas and thoughts once danced freely, leaving a mark throughout this royal complex.

Hosting PUNCTUM breathes new life into the palace, infusing it with a dynamic energy that reawakens its legacy, inviting us to witness the timeless, and perhaps eclectic, dialogue between the past and present, art and history.

Belvedere Torso sits at the centre of Omar Hassan’s solo exhibition, PUNCTUM, held at the Royal Palace of Palermo

Reference:
Omar Hassan’s Official Website
“‘PUNCTUM’ at the Royal Palace with Omar Hassan”. Fondazione Federico II Palermo.

PUNCTUM is on view at the Royal Palace of Palermo and runs through October 1, 2023.