Tarek Sebastian Al-shammaa: Fall of Europe

Gallery Different is delighted to present Fall of Europe II, the first solo exhibition of London-based artist Tarek Sebastian Al-shammaa.

Al-shammaa’s main practice is history painting in which he explores imposing historical and mythological subject matter juxtaposing it with the harsh realities of our contemporary society. Within each of the epic paintings he presents the viewer with poignant psychological insight into his own life and heritage; Al-shammaa is half French and half Iraqi, and so has found himself straddling two oft-opposing cultures throughout his life.

Recurring themes across the young artist’s paintings include consumerism, war, love, lust and political oppression, as well as the opposition and even conflict of Western and Non-Western culture and ideals. In the body of work on view, Al-shammaa depicts everything from iconic myths like that of the Tower of Babel to mythical iconography such as Mother Earth, all within a present-day context.

Al-shammaa was born in London in 1982 where he also grew up. He dropped out of art school after being mocked as a ‘grandad’ for wanting to paint when YBA shock art was all the rage. Following that he performed odd jobs like cooking to pay for paints and keep his art practice going. He also worked in music for years, where he still maintains many friendships. Al-shammaa currently lives and works in London.