Aref Al Rayyes, (Lebanon, 1928-2005)

Visions of the Third World

Visions of the Third World
oil on canvas, framed
signed "A Rayyes" (lower left), titled on the verso "Visions of the Third World" in Arabic, executed in 2000
120 x 120cm (47 1/4 x 47 1/4in).

Provenance:
Property from the collection of Dar El-Nimer, Beirut

"He was a prolific artist, who would get into 'phases'; a tunnel of sorts I'd say, and he wouldn't come out until he was satisfied. He was a caring, giving, loving, affectionate human being, very strong, but also very sensitive. He didn't care what people thought or said. He was very forgiving, but would never forget.

He was practical and got on with making things happen. He was very spiritual and appreciated all religions. In Jeddah, he explored Islam. In London, he learnt about Buddhism. In Lebanon he delved into Christianity when he attended the notable St. Joseph School in Aintoura. He was chaotically organised and I understood his artistry only after he passed"

- Hala El Rayyes, the artists daughter