Story: Appreciation of art abroad - Jordanian Artist Suleiman Mohammed Salem

Apart from local food and culture, which are an important part of my travel experience, I will always have a good nose around for what’s available in the local art scene. Apart from the occasional souvenir, my luggage on the return journey home has to contain a piece of art. This is how on my last journey to the Middle East, I brought back two oil paintings.

I went to visit Jordanian artist Suleiman Mohammed Salem where he exhibits his work at Beit al Bawadi in Abdoun, Amman. In this quiet showroom which he shares with talented young ceramists, I sat at his desk by the window and listened to his story which gave all the more meaning to his paintings.

His passion for art was nurtured early in childhood, always dreaming of being an artist when he grew up. His family couldn’t afford to finance his studies, let alone art, so at age 13 he had no choice but to join the army. Stationed in remote desert areas, his only solace was art. When available he would draw on paper, but more often than not he drew on the sand and rocks.

Never giving up, he practised constantly until his lucky break. Suleiman was invited to Beit al Bawadi which picks artists from underprivileged backgrounds in Jordan. This showroom of art is situated in the upmarket area of west Amman, in a modern villa in Abdoun. The Beit al Bawadi initiative is part of the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD). In this way, Suleiman was able to continue in his passion and also earn an income.

Suleiman’s medium is oils on canvas and produces mainly abstract portraits. Although he did not have the good fortune to have access to formal instruction, he has developed the skills of his art through sheer determination and dedication. The struggles he endured in his early life resonate in the facial expression of his paintings, manifesting a hint of graceful melancholy but combined with a subtle glimmer of hope which reflects the inner determination of his soul.

During the summer months, between June and October, you will also find this artist at the very trendy artisans Jara Market located on the first circle in Jabal Amman. This attractive market is open every Saturday from 10am to 10pm and definately worth a visit if you're after something original. Paintings are for sale at a very reasonable price compared to art for sale in Europe. For those travellers worried about luggage space, he will happily remove the wooden frame and roll up the canvas in paper for easy transportation. Something I did and now am the happy owner of two oil paintings by this artist.