In Utrecht Lokaal, Raafat Ballan's paintings are displayed alongside his sources of inspiration: from poems to stories from art history. The human figures in Raafat Ballan's paintings literally seem to step into the light.
Raafat Ballan (Al-Suwayda, Syria, 1990) studied at the Damascus Academy of Art, Syria. Shortly after his thesis project, he was forced to leave Syria due to the increasing insecurity in his country. He temporarily lived and worked in Lebanon and then in Turkey. In 2015, he settled in the Netherlands. His work has now been purchased by various museums; the Centraal Museum also acquired a painting.
About his work
Raafat Ballan draws inspiration from memories or impressions of daily life for his work. But history, other works of art, stories and poetry are also important to him. The exhibition shows Ballan's work alongside the sources from which he draws. He is not so much interested in literal events or people, but rather in the universal stories of humanity; the ongoing search for what makes you who you are. 'I don't paint people I know', says Ballan herself, 'I'd rather leave it open, these people could be anyone. '
Visit Rafaat Ballan - These People Could Be Anyone, other exhibitions and activities such as friend of the museum, member of Central Club whether Central Circle.