October 17, 2023
In the intricate tapestry of global art, the name Kevork Mourad holds a singularly resonant thread. Born in Qamishli, Syria, and educated at the Yerevan Institute of Fine Arts in Armenia, Mourad's art is a symphony in visuals, a dance in colors, and a conversation across cultures and time. His work, like the artist himself, is rooted in his heritage yet blossoms in the cosmopolitan heart of New York City.
Imagine standing in the hallowed halls of Carnegie or gazing at the imposing screen at the Lincoln Center Atrium. The music begins, a soft melody that slowly fills the space. And then appears a single line on the screen, a brushstroke in rhythm with the music. As the melody unfolds, so does the image, growing, evolving, dancing with the notes. This is the signature style of Kevork Mourad, a masterful blend of live drawing and animation, an innovative fusion of art and music that mesmerizes the senses.
Mourad's collaborations with renowned musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Kim Kashkashian, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale are legendary. His work is a bridge between the visual and auditory, an intersection where art and music meet and intertwine in a unique sensory experience.
Mourad's art is not just an aesthetic feat; it's a reflection of history, a mirror held up to the past. In "Sound of Stone," commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Mourad invites viewers to journey into the echoes of Al-Andalus, the medieval era's hub of scientific and cultural exchange.
His technique is a blend of innovation and tradition. The traditional monotype prints on fabric, drawn into, cut, and hung within the space, recall the monumental sculptures of the ancient Mediterranean world. It's a testament to our shared human history, a connection to our collective past that resonates across time.
Mourad's art is also an echo of contemporary struggles. His work "Immortal City" is a poignant response to the ongoing devastation in Syria, his homeland. The piece's calligraphy, textile, and ancient architecture suggest a life force that survives and transcends ruination, a testament to the resilience of culture amidst chaos.
In "Four Acts for Syria," Mourad and his film partner Waref Abu Quba take us on a visual journey exploring the beauty of Syria and the recent tragedy that has befallen it. The film opens with the devastation but concludes with a hopeful vision of reconstruction, a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Syrian people.
Mourad's work is a bridge between the past, the present, and the future. His upcoming projects, including "Unholy Wars," "Triptych," and "Paper Pianos," promise to continue his tradition of blending art, music, and history. These projects, set to debut in 2022 and 2023, are a testament to his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
As technology continues to evolve, so does Mourad's art. His use of live drawing and animation is a nod to the growing influence of technology in art. Yet, his work also serves as a reminder that at the heart of every technological advance is the human impulse to create, to express, to connect.
When you stand before a Kevork Mourad piece, you hear the whispers of ancient civilizations. You feel the pulse of contemporary struggles. You see a vision of the future's promise. His work is a bridge, inviting us to cross over, to experience the richness of our shared heritage, and to imagine a future where such bridges are the norm rather than the exception.
In the end, Kevork Mourad's art is about more than creating beautiful visuals or harmonious music. It's about creating connections—between past and present, between art and audience, between one culture and another.
