Enemy at the Gate

Hate Poisons the Soul

October 7^th 

Between my art studio and the so many war frontiers I have been at, I have experienced life and death firsthand. The outcome had me believe that hate poisons the soul, thus: “To better understand the dark side of the war is to live and let live.” This belief gives me the ultimate motivation to portray what is considered the endless conflict between good and evil and between light and dark.

The latest massacre that was committed by the creatures of the dark which took place in south Israel on October 7^th filled me with pain, anger, and grief. As an artist, I transferred all those genuine feelings on the canvas, to remind the entire world why saving lives is about humanity, not political-religious propaganda. 

Love and peace are quite understandable but nothing can justify victimizing innocent lives. In life or on canvas the good ones always search for love and peace while steering the inner peace path toward righteousness. ~ Isaiah 32:17

Like the rest of my Logographic artworks, the shape and the visual elements are the foundations of the work that echo my inner universe. However, what makes this work live and very captivating is the unique composition, that softly moves between the space, the mono-color, the pictograph symbols that represent (gate, enemy, fanaticism), and the use of the texture, i.e., the shape that represents (enemy) in different sizes and vivid black on black.

The dynamic between the intaglio impression (engraving) and relievo (relief) impression is what gives the multiple tones of sorrow a powerful presence. However, to make the entire work more vibrant yet quite stable, the symbol of the (enemy) was repeated in different sizes all over the surface while splitting the symbol of the (gate) in two and placing them on the two sides of the surface. Furthermore, two shapes depicting serpents, one with a smashed head and the second one accompanied by a star. The second two-part elements symbolizes a crescent and a star. 

The work tightly and genuinely touches the hearts and minds of the viewers and releases an aura of serenity despite the horrible calamity, and that is because those who were inhumanely violated never gave up on the hope that is guaranteed in Psalm 23:1–6

 

Subject: Enemy at the Gate - Oct 7

Technique: Acrylic & Mixed Media on Hardboard-canvas

Measurements: Inside 28.5 x 37.5 Inches | Outside 36 x 45 Inches

Date: 2024

Price: $30,000

 

The Purest Love on Earth

 

Mother Ummi

 

My Mother Would Walk Through the Lava and Shattered Glass Carrying Me Smiling! … Mother’s Love is Unlimited and Unconditional. ~ Amer H. Fatuhi

In the Enûma Elish (The Babylonian Genesis/epic of creation), the mother goddess Tiamat bears the first generation of deities. She was the first ever known Mother. However, Ninhursag (Mama) is the goddess referred to as the creator of humankind. 

Women were worshiped in ancient times for being associated with childbirth and fertility. The pictograph symbol of the word mother was among the very first symbols used in Mesopotamia over seven millennia ago. Personally, I see the mother as the symbol of fertility, the homeland, and every good in life.

Since I was in middle school, I have painted many artworks of my mother connecting her to the homeland, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, the date palm tree, the dove flying in an open sky like a free spirit, the morning pigeon standing at the roof fence singing by my bed (Ku ku o ukhti) in the early morning, and every good thing in life. Throughout the years I used different styles, materials, and techniques. However, in my latest artwork Dec. 7^th, My Mother / Ummi (in Akkadian) and (אמא שלי) imma shali in Hebrew, I focused on how to depict the ancient symbol in my modern art not as an inscription or a material of intent but as an expression and a window to the beauty of the soul.

The shape and the visual elements are just there as the foundations of the work which are derived from my Logogramisim style; but, what makes this work live and very captivating is the unique composition, the playing with the space, colors, the limited use of the austere texture, i.e., the top shape in different vivid red colors similar to the house roofing and the eightfold star. Moving between playing with green color gives the viewer the dynamic impression of the conflict between stability and instability, playing with two kinds of clear and rainy tile surfaces. The bottom brush strokes and the single heavy white stroke give the base of the work a lively expression. To make the entire work more vibrant yet quite stable, I added the bottom two small triangular shapes in light violet and yellow to match the two top triangular forms with similar colors. Anyone, whether an artist or a common viewer, will be easily attracted to the positivity and genuineness that touches the heart and ignites an invisible aura of beauty around it, and that is what a mother is all about.

 

Subject: Mother Ummi 

Technique: Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas 

Measurements: 30 x 30 Inches 

Date: 2023 

Price: $30,000

I Stand with Israel

 

I Stand with Israel … I stand with Jews Worldwide 

עם ישראל חי

Shalom w Ahava

There’s been a shocking increase in antisemitism in the United States and around the world in the aftermath of October 7^th. Any normal person who respects humanity must call out antisemitism, extremism, and hate. On October 7^th, 2023, Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, raping, burning, and beheading innocent Israelis, as well as kidnapping over 240 babies, children, young females, and other civilians, including Holocaust survivors into Gaza. 

As a visual artist and poet, I strongly condemn antisemitism and any kind of hate speech or act against natives and minorities. Therefore, I 100% stand with Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. I also demand the release of the innocent kidnapped civilians and to bring them home now!

A’m Yisrael Chai

 

Amer Hanna Fatuhi, Ph.D.

Visual Artist & Poet

www.JewsofBabylon-Book.com

The JEWS of BABYLON | Press Release!

 ** For Immediate Release **

A New Book Explores the Deep and Rich History of the Indigenous Jewish People of Babylon, Past & Present

Amer Hanna Fatuhi releases his 21^st book ‘The Jews of Babylon: The Untold Story of the Indigenous Jewish People of Babylon, Past & Present

Troy, MI| LA, CA| NYC – Amer Hanna Fatuhi, Ph.D., is a scholar in Mesopotamian History and an established visual artist, www. atelier-ahf.blogspot.com | www.ea-artg.com/artists/amer-hanna-fatuhi

“The Jews of Babylon, Past & Present Present” (published by www.workbookpress.com) is a groundbreaking, illustrated book that uniquely recounts the history and the remarkable achievements of the Jewish people of Babylon. It is also the culmination of the author’s broad cultural and intellectual experience as a historian, which transparently depicts the story of the indigenous Jewish people of ancient Mesopotamia / the Land of Eden, past and present.

“The Jews of Babylon, Past & Present” brings honor and glory to the unexplored course of events and remarkable achievements of the Jews of Babylon throughout their Mesopotamian deeply rooted history 5300 B.C. - present in a panoramic study. The author stated, “Babylon is not a foreign land for the Jews because it was originally their ancestors' birthplace and Father Abraham's native land for thousands of years before he was called to move from Ur of the Chaldeans to the Promised Land.

"The Lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people, and your father's household to the land I will show you. ~ Gen. 12:1”

By revealing some of the important unknown insights about the Babylonian Jews’ history in Mesopotamia, the Holy Land of Israel, and worldwide, the author brings out the best in them. The unique features in the book, i.e., exceptional manuscript, long list of authentic images built from scratch, and genuine maps and illustrations in color made exclusively for this study, will captivate the attention and imagination of readers everywhere.  To learn more or to obtain a copy, visit www.JewsofBabylon-Book.com. 

“The Jews of Babylon, Past & Present”

By Amer Hanna Fatuhi

Hardcover | 7.5 x 10.5 in | 64 Full-color illustrated pages | ISBN 978-1-961845-49-7

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Chapters Indigo, Betterworldbooks, Walmart, and more!

https://www.amazon.com/Jews-Babylon-Amer-Hanna-Fatuhi/dp/1961845490/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3F4DBBVRT2VN7&keywords=The+Jews+of+Babylon&qid=1700588999&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C735&sr=1-1

About the Author

Amer Hanna Fatuhi, Ph.D. is a scholar of Mesopotamian History and Native Mesopotamians. He is also a poet, and an established visual artist, creator of the “Logogramism” art style, 1988-1992. He studied engineering, fine arts, and history. He also illustrated Museum educational-cultural posters worldwide and was one of the ten exceptional worldwide artists ~ World Literature Today Magazine, 2009. For more information, visit: www.amerfatuhiart.com

September 2023 – atelier a One-man-show

 

THREE DECADES OF LOVE

LOVE FINDS A WAY

אהבה

 One-man One-night-mini-show

September 1^st, 2023
From Expressionism To  LOGOGRAMISM Art Style!

Dear Art Lovers,

On September 15^th, the birth date of the well-established artist Amer Hanna Fatuhi, he usually conducts a one-man mini-show every year in his studio (atelier a).

This year is no different but the show will be held on September 1^st, because on September 15^th countless Jews worldwide will celebrate the eve of Rosh Hashanah. Others will celebrate one of the most ancient Babylonian national holidays: The Sacred Tree of Life (date palm tree) Day, also known in the Land of Eden as The Renewal of Life Day. It is also worth noting that dates are a fruit considered holy by the Hebrews (שִׁבְעַת הַמִינִים, Shiv'at HaMinim, Deuteronomy 8:8).

This year is also exceptional because artist Fatuhi will carefully share with selected creative females the many flavors of his artwork for the last three decades, i.e., (themes, concepts, & techniques) as well as a glimpse of his coming two-man art show with artist John Romi, The Ember & The Rose. The event will include paintings, sculptures & poems that share creativity physically, emotionally, and intellectually with the audience.

It is worth noting that due to the space limitation, we are more than happy to receive the creative females with their spouses, and close ones.

Annie Salatyan, the Armenian American artist, is the curator of the show. She is also the senior curator at EA Art Gallery www.EA-ArtG.com. 

Artist Fatuhi may also briefly talk and share the Press-release of his new book The Jews of Babylon, Past & Present, which is scheduled to be released in the second half of August 2023. To learn about the book visit www.JewsofBabylon-Book.com

A limited audience will be present at the private studio (atelier a). Therefore, If you are a scholar or a creative female in the fields of visual art (artist, art critic, art collector, or art dealer), music, poetry, literature, and journalism, then kindly call or text (atelier a) at 248.705.2222 and notify us concerning your visit. 

It is worth noting that the visitors will explore the panoramic angles of the LOGOGRAMISM Art Style created in the late 80s by artist Amer Hanna Fatuhi.

https://atelier-ahf.blogspot.com/2022/06/logogramism-created-by-artist-amer.html 

The Day: September 1^st, 2023 | Time: 6-9 PM

The reception starts at 6 pm. Artist’s tour and open discussion at 7 pm.

                                          Wine, mocktails, & appetizers will be served 

atelier a: 248.705.2222 

 To learn about artist Amer Hanna Fatuhi’s latest projects visit: www.atelier-ahf.blogspot.com

Exploring & Enjoying Three Decades of Love & Captivating Art

From Expressionism To  LOGOGRAMISM Art Style!

You Are My Home!

The HOME Within

You Are My Home!

 

If my home was a tattoo

I would engrave it on my heart

And rest! 

What does home stand for? Is it the place where one lives? When I was stationed away from home, (ironically in my ancestors’ homeland) I started to question what really constitutes a home.

Quite frankly, I was worried that I might go down at any moment from a sniper shot, mortar, or IED. However, I never felt helpless or scared, simply because death is everyone’s fate. This undeniable fact was first spoken in The Epic of Gilgamesh ^[1]  thousands of years ago[RG1] !

My major concern was that no death is justified if not for love! 

Defending home sounds right, but what really is home, and where is home for each one of us? For me, the whole earth is my home, but in particular, my beloved sweetheart is my ultimate home!

Many famous artists have recreated their artworks for one reason or another, including Francisco de Goya, Claude Monet, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, and more. Some of my old works vanished when their collectors passed away and the inheritors, who were uneducated in art, did not keep them. Other works of mine were looted from museums. Several artworks were destroyed by the evil forces I stood against them when I was young.

The 2012 artwork, Homeland, was always motivating me to redo it differently by playing with the main shape and colors. Therefore, the 2022 artwork, Homeland of Life, is an echo and a reshaping of the 2012 artwork. Homeland of Life is a mix of the complexity of thoughts and simplicity of a shape based on one Logogram symbol referring to the word home and pronounced as Ki/Bit in ancient Sumero-Akkadian^[2] culture, aka Proto-Kaldi^[3].

 Home is like love; you do not have to write a bulky book about it. A tender eye contact or a gentle squeeze of the hand is enough. Actions speak louder than words! 

¹ Gilgamesh was the first hero in ancient Mesopotamia and worldwide mythologies. He is the protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh and the first superhero who stood up to cosmic evil forces to help humanity.

² Sumero-Akkadian; relating to, or constituting the Sumerian and Akkadian languages, cultures, or people. 

³ Proto-Kaldi: In 1988, historian Amer Hanna Fatuhi named pre-Sumerian culture Proto-Kaldi. This term was first used in his study entitled “Ur of Chaldeans - An Iraqi Perspective.” Subsequently, it became common among Iraqi scholars in the 1990s and worldwide in 2004.

 

Marching for Peace

 The Bitter Orange Flower of My Soul

         In my dictionary, love and peace are my ultimate goal in life. A goal that I am so committed to and working hard on achieving, but the reality of this broken world is quite different.

         Peace and war are like day and night, you can not recognize and appreciate them without going through both of them.

         Internal peace and external peace are what help us stand up tall in front of all challenges. During the darkest moments in life, one simple dot of light can grow hope inside every and each person’s heart and mind worldwide. Therefore, no matter how hostile is the world around us, no power on earth can stop my march for peace.

         As a soldier of love, I believe in art as the right tool to fight the dark and help peace to be victorious. ~ Amer H. Fatuhi

 

Subject: Wounding the Dark III

Technique: Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas

Measurements: 30 x 30 Inches

Date: 2007

Price: $30,000

Ishtar’s Spells

 

Dancing Between Myth & Logogramism’s Lines!

As evidenced by many museums’ displays, the mix of myths and art goes back to the pre-historic period when the first primitive artists/sorcerers used their imagination to interpret weather phenomena (wind, cloud, rain, storm, snow, fog, and dust storms, etc.) as divine practices. As a theme, religion has always influenced artists, past and present. On the other hand, mixing figurative composition and symbolic artwork styles is not recommended because it is like mixing water and fire. In the end, only one element will survive! 

So how can an artwork that uses a religious theme, which some may categorize as myth, mix between figurative and symbolism in painting and still be considered a successful artwork?

 Ishtar’s Spells artwork might seem just an example of how myths could play an important factor in shaping and strengthening our views of the world. For instance, Ishtar & Tammuz’s^[1] death and resurrection myth prove that life can still overcome death through good deeds. What makes this artwork special is not because it beautifully used a myth to present a challenge, but because of the positive impact of Logogramism symbols. 

Using the pictograph symbols made the artwork full of life. Although the pictograph symbols were not the central gravity of the artwork, adding these visual elements to a figurative scene gave the artwork the needed power to captivate art lovers.

Going back and forth between the figurative details and the pictograph symbols of the artwork, Ishtar’s Spells proves that mixing figurative elements with symbols produced a successful artwork against all odds and previous recipes for disaster artworks.

Such carefully conducted methods are like dancing between two parallel lines: no matter how far they go, their destiny is that they will never meet, yet each line continues to give the other line the necessary formula for success.    

Subject: Ishtar’s Spells

Technique: Acrylic on Hardboard Canvas

Measurements: 30 x 40 Inch

Date: 2006

Price: $25,000

---

[1] Ishtar & Tammuz, Ishtar and Tammuz are the protagonists of one of the world's first love stories. Ishtar was the goddess of love, war, and fertility, while Tammuz was one of many Mesopotamian gods of fertility and the patronage of herdsmen.

 

Looking For Another Paradise

 

The Paradise That Is All About Logogramism

Any good father who works hard on raising his children to become better than him would never favor one child over another. However, for unknown reasons, most of us do!

Likewise, artworks for artists are as precious as their own children. No matter what one could say or do, a particular artwork becomes near and dear to the artist’s heart and mind. That artwork for me is Looking for Another Paradise.

What makes this artwork extraordinary is that anyone could notice the huge impact of the central cross shape on the entire scene, which is like an open invitation to explore the foundations of the Logogramism art style. It presents the famous Mesopotamian pictograph symbol that depicts an intersection (which leads to meeting and departing). The many other symbols located inside the cross, play a significant role in strengthening the core of the composition. The surrounding symbols outside the cross enrich the background with what looks like a magical atmosphere that encloses the entire artwork. The saturated harmonic colors and the many layers of texture create almost a sonata; the first part of any perfect symphony, which reflects pure transcendent feelings and unadulterated expressions.

 

            Looking for another Paradise has it all: the theme (journey – looking for a new home of hope), the technique (layers and materials), the chromatic colors, and the composition in one captivating Logogramism modern artwork style.

Subject: Looking for Another Paradise

Technique: Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media

Measurements: 27.75 x 23 Inches

Date: 1993

Price: $40,000

CRASH, the Colorful Heartache!

 

THE EKPHRASTIC POEM

 “You, I, & the Entire World” 

There is no doubt that ancient Mesopotamians are the creators of the writing system that dates back to the Clay Tokens period in the eighth millennium, BC. The earliest forms of writing were pictographs (meaning "picture words") where the sign resembles the object which represents: grain, hand, foot, male, female, bird, bull, pig, fish, etc. Those early symbols were made to be understood by average people. For example, male and female symbols were simply depicted by their sexual organs, while bull, pig, and dog were depicted by their head features. Using the male and female symbols has nothing to do with intimacy other than specifying gender.

My artwork, which is based on the Logogramism style, focuses on contemporary subjects and challenges from personal feelings and daily experiences to global issues. However, I have been working diligently since founding this style to improve and explore wider and deeper meanings and values for each of these most archaic Mesopotamian pictographs that were particularly created to represent daily life's needs. This kind of enhancement in visual communication is what makes my work timeless and makes its exceptional style one-of-a-kind.

 Concerning the visual elements, I used many compelling pictograph signs from the dominant ones such as male, female, and mountains, to the supporting ones, such as plants, trees, fish, snakes, water, land, and more. The technique used in achieving this artwork is a mix of oil, acrylic, and mixed media on canvas.

 In closing, this painting is inspired by my 2017 poem You & I as well as my 2011 poem A Woman from Above! - Crash, which both are about love, chaos, and beyond. If there is someone quite important in your life, then hold on to him/her, because there is nothing that rejoices or aches like love. You will never feel alive unless you are in love. “Love has no sky and no bottom”. ~ Amer

                                               What between the two of us

Is a sea

That has no sky

And no bottom

What between the two of us

Is love

That cannot be hidden by a thousand masks 

*****

 

CRASH

An unexpected incident is your love

despite all the safety measures

that I followed

and all the instruction handbooks

that I read

I couldn’t avoid you!

 Subject: Crash

Technique: Oil, Acrylic & Mixed-Media on Canvas

Measurements: 36 x 36 Inches

Date: 2022

Price: $30,000