2008 Woodie Awards
An eye on Iranian history
Alkhas broadens the minds of MJC students with art, philosophy
Jamie Gilbert
Issue date: 2/9/06 Section: News
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His name is Hannibal Alkhas.
For those of us who do not recognize his name, no need to worry. There is still time to get down to the gallery and check out the newest display, "Hannibal Alkhas and the Party."
Hannibal Alkhas spent most of his childhood in Iran, where most all of his artistic inspiration comes from. He is the son of one of the most famous poets in the 20th century, Rabi Adai Alkhas. Alkhas, who recently moved from the Bay Area to Turlock, has had his artwork showcased in Iran and around the world in such places as New York and Los Angeles. He has also shared his artistic skills while teaching at Tehran University, in Iran. During that time, he also established the successful Gilgamesh Gallery, the first modern art gallery in Iran, which inspired many young artists.
On a more local note, he has taught at the University of California Berkeley, UCLA and the Assyrian Civic Club of Turlock. MJC now holds the honor of having him as a guest.
The main feature in the gallery is Alkhas' mural showcasing the life of Assyrians of Iran in the 20th century. The mural, which is five times smaller than the master print, stands 2 feet high and 15 feet in length. The mural includes images of his family members as well as scenes of division among Assyrian Christians, Roman Catholics and Protestants.
The mural gives an artistic view of Assyrian history, especially during a time when Assyrians were being massacred and exiled by Turks in the early 1900's.
The mural is just one piece of artwork taking up wall space in the gallery. There are many other pieces from artists including Alkhas' wife, Anna Gabriel, and other Iranian artists such as Farkhondeh Marashi, Jamileh Vafakish, Smaira Darya, Naser Mohamadu, A.R. Rahimi and Mahtab Nematolahi.
In addition to the daily display, Alkhas has given MJC the chance to participate themselves. Workshops are open to students and the public are held regularly.
"Doing hands on interaction with the students gives them a better understanding of what abstract art really is. It allows them to create with their own emotions," Alkhas said.
During these workshops, amateur artist are given the chance to explore abstract art.
After students and other gallery visitors create their own personal acrylic paintings, Alkhas goes over them once they have dried and draws images that he sees in the mess of different colors of paints. Abstract painting represents things that aren't visual, such an emotion, sound, or spiritual experience.
Alkhas uses the combination of colors to outline and create figurative works such as people and landscapes. He goes over the paintings with a pen and draws what he sees in the midst of the collision of colors. This way the artist can explore their own artistic talents and hopefully use their own imagination to give their abstract art its own form.
The workshops have been a big success with much participation from MJC students.
"The workshops are very educational because we get to see his talent not only displayed but created right in front of us. It's very motivational," MJC student, Amanda Carrillo said.
For more hands on experience with abstract art the gallery will be showcasing and holding workshops featuring Hannibal Alkhas through February 17. For gallery hours and more information please call (209) 575 6819.