The Standard
Hadramout-born Artist, Obeid Salem, focuses on human life's simplicity and the enduring wonder of historical architecture. In his collection, The Standard, Salem's artwork is distinct in his technique of using concentric circles that originate at the centre of the painting to depict what the artist describes as "ordinary life." His entire collection, which features two acrylic paintings and four ink on paper illustrations, utilize his signature circle-technique. The method, developed from freehand drawing, is reminiscent of an innate human need for repetition and rituals.
His acrylic pieces focus on people's conventional lives in Mukalla; neighbourhood shops, and local people gathering on streets and cafes. Salem left the pieces unfinished to reflect the psychological state of the subjects he drew. The acrylic set completes a unique Hadrami scene; men gather at a coffee shop, and across the street an ice cream truck roars. Although the scenes depict a dreamlike setting, the artist points out that "the kids enjoy their day, while the grown-ups carry the burdens of life." Salem’s treatment of the four illustrations utilizes the same circle technique but homogenizes traditional Yemeni dress and architecture based on region. The artwork features the Hadramout governorate, Mukalla city, Aden city, and Ta'izz city.
