Weeda Hamdan's inner pilgrimage
The search for the symbiotic connection between Humanity and the Environment in a sensorial journey that transcends iconic art.
Weeda Hamdan's artistic odyssey, initiated in her formative years, has profoundly molded her adult life. The act of metamorphosing into an artist not only served as a refuge from the tribulations of her early life, shadowed by the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon but also revealed the profound impact of creativity. It illuminated the universal interconnectedness that transcends geographical boundaries.
In the midst of adversity and ambiguity, a glimmer of light appeared when Weeda embraced the transformative potential of art, translating her fantasies into free-flowing expressions on paper. As noted by the esteemed art critic Maria Pina Cirillo, Weeda's creative endeavors became an avenue to escape the harsh realities that surrounded her. Her sketches became a sanctuary, capturing fleeting moments of hope amid chaos, offering respite from the trials of life.
Diving into graphic design, Weeda's paintings and drawings pulsated rhythmically, defining her creative existence. In 1992, this rhythm guided her to the inaugural exhibition, "Nature Connection," showcased at the American University of Beirut's Environmental Art Show, resonating profoundly. A journey marked by geographical shifts—from Liberia to Lebanon, then to the Canary Islands, and finally settling in Texas in 2000—unfolded. Each destination brought unique challenges, but art consistently served as a compass, facilitating navigation through uncharted territories and emotions.
Weeda's desire to reconnect with familial landscapes led her to find inspiration in foreign surroundings, transforming her perspective and instilling an appreciation for the extraordinary in seemingly mundane places. Her telescope became a passport to new worlds, uncovering the mysticism concealed in unexpected corners.
The stream flowing alongside her Texas home mirrored her inner journey—a profound exploration of the currents shaping existence. Weeda realized that her role extended beyond aesthetic creation, becoming a conduit for promoting physical well-being and enriching the collective conscience.
The evolving torrent symbolized the power of change and adaptation, reminding Weeda that choosing new viewpoints could initiate a transformative process encompassing humanity and the self. In retrospect, the once-simple geographical attribute became a source of inspiration and growth, teaching her the art of introspection and encouraging a rediscovery of meaning in every event.
Her trajectory evolved from an individual artist to a catalyst for change—a role capable of shaping perspectives, amplifying voices, and fostering unity globally. Works presented between 2009 and 2017, such as "Rendezvous with Light & Water" and "Reflections," attest to this transformation and her evolving sense of identity.
After participating in numerous group exhibitions and competitions from 2010 to 2022, culminating in prestigious American awards, Weeda's journey reached its zenith with her involvement in the Biennale of Florence in October 2023. Here, her work showcased a delicate interplay between light, water, trees, and the beauty of nature—a narrative conscious of the fundamental reality that binds us all.
Weeda aspires to forge partnerships with environmental organizations, academics, and grassroots collectives, uniting art and action in a vision where workshops, seminars, and immersive experiences seamlessly bridge the gap between expression, creativity, and sustainability. Leveraging digital media, she dissolves conventional boundaries through engaging installations, forging an immediate connection with the audience on a sensory journey that transcends the visual realm.
In her research, Weeda's narrative transcends personal boundaries, resonating with universally fractal designs imbued with internal. Like fractals, these intricate patterns symbolize human connections, reverberating through different layers of existence.
Bare Trees: A Rebirth into Art and Life
The steadfast presence of trees in Weeda Hamdan's art and their intricate connection with all living beings captivate her endlessly. Their silent collaboration, concealed beneath the surface, weaves intricate networks—a testament to their unity and an inspiring reflection for humanity.
For the artist, trees embody the profound connection between art, nature, and life, mirroring the threads that weave through human experiences and ideals.
The inception of the Bare Trees project is rooted in these reflections, echoing a universe that is both real and symbolic. The delicate twigs of Bare Trees II symbolize the poignant impermanence of our identities, while the essence of Bare Trees III is rooted in the complexity of branches, serving as a metaphor for the intricate tapestry of our relationships. It is a world that only reveals itself when we immerse ourselves in its unique and enchanted kingdom—an ever-evolving narrative. This work invites us to acknowledge the guardianship of trees on our planet and their active role in the narrative of interdependence in nature. Weeda, through the fusion of artistic expression and environmental awareness, transcends borders and generations, nurturing the dream of a more harmonious future that unites us on a shared journey.
The philosophy underlying Bare Trees IV differs, representing an autumnal forest and unfolding into a triptych. The crumpling and fracturing of the surface introduce complexity and abstraction into the work.
In this way, the creation challenges artistic codifications by deconstructing conventional boundaries. This act of fragmentation mirrors how nature embodies both order and chaos simultaneously, embracing imperfections and unpredictability, permanence, and impermanence.
The work, capable of empathically engaging users, immerses us in a forest experienced not as a static image but as a living landscape. The rustling of the leaves invites us to become one with nature, breaking away from a traditional static viewing experience. Finally, Bare Trees VIII features delicate lines suggesting the presence of branches and tree trunks, appearing solid, rigid, and flowing. The monochromatic palette guides the viewer in exploring the interaction between negative space and positive, leading to contemplation of the profound mysteries guarded by trees.
Weeda's creative journey flows into an exploration of the enigmatic charm of trees. Beyond a visual pursuit, it becomes a pilgrimage into the metaphorical wisdom embodied by these arboreal giants—rooted in unity, growth, and resilience.