Ethiopian painter pursues the spiritual

Ethiopian painter Salah Mubarek is bringing a splash of color to the CFL and the Black History Conference Feb. 15-16.

Mubarek’s exhibition in the CFL balcony, “Pursuit of the Spiritual,” consists of 24 watercolor paintings.

“I wanted to give a nod to spirituality as the long standing subject in African American art, and at the same time acknowledge what moves me and guides my creativity,” Mubarek said.

Art Gallery Coordinator David Kamm helped bring Mubarek to Luther.

“Salah attended the conference two years ago,” Kamm said. “He’s from Ethiopia but studied in Chicago.”

Mubarek taught a watercolor workshop Feb. 15, which Kamm moderated and Assistant Professor of Art Benjamin Moore (‘02) facilitated. Moore and Mubarek are both figurative artists.

“[Mubarek is] a very powerful person,” Moore said. “His works are really strong, and they have a sense of coming forward with individuality.”

The workshop is a key area of student involvement with the conference.

“This is the first time we’re doing an art workshop [during the Black History Conference],” Kamm said. “A few years ago we had a student art exhibit … In the art building we’ve offered students opportunities to do projects that relate to the conference. This year that’s taking form in the workshop.”

In his art, Mubarek contemplates and explores the nature of life.

“It is important for me to paint subjects that move me emotionally or that I have had an important experience with,” Mubarek said. “While some of my work is celebratory … it is mostly quiet and intimate. But the unifying theme throughout my work is a message of the universal promise of hope.”

Mubarek’s recent works have consisted of watercolor still life paintings. He has also worked with oil paintings and drawing.

“Most of his drawings are about people,” Kamm said. “Working from life is about the human condition.”

Examples of some of Mubarek’s paintings are “Humanity,” “Woman,” “Mother and Daughter,” and “Identity.” Influenced by both Ethiopian and American cultures, his works reflect a broad worldview.

Mubarek will speak in the CFL gallery about his exhibit at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16. A reception with hors d’oeuvres will follow.