Ali Omar Ermes art served as a bridge between Libya and Europe, transcending walls of discord, and promoting a sense of mutual appreciation and respect
Ali Omar Ermes – Influence of Libya and Its Rich Cultural Heritage
At the age of ten, Ali Omar Ermes moved with his family to the Libyan capital, Tripoli. His son, Mohammed Ermes tells about him: «He was born in Zliten, a city steeped in artistic expression. From his early days and before moving to the capital Tripoli he was surrounded by a tapestry of Libyan, Arab, and Islamic traditions from a young age.
This cultural background acted as an inspiration, infusing his art with a profound sense of interconnectedness and timelessness. The allure of the majestic ruins of Leptis Magna, an ancient city established in the seventh century BC by the Phoenicians and later expanded by the great Roman Emperor Septimius Severus near his hometown, ignited his artistic sensibility.
These remnants of history left an indelible mark on his work, infusing it with a profound appreciation for the past and an eternal sense of unity».
Ali Omar Ermes and the struggle for Libyan Kingdom
Libya at that time was still suffering from the repercussions of World War II, with the population wounded and scarred by the presence of foreign armies and three years of fighting and devastation: «Living through Libya’s post-independence era, he witnessed the nation’s struggles for stability and sovereignty.
These experiences developed a sense of responsibility within him, compelling him, as an artist, to address pressing social and geopolitical issues through his creative expressions. His art became a platform to advocate for change and raise awareness on critical matters that impacted humanity».
Embracing Calligraphy – a Divine Art of Expression according to Ali Omar Ermes
Ali Omar Ermes’ fascination with Arabic calligraphy stems from the spiritual charm and beauty of the Islamic world and a great love of history and science, particularly the achievements of the Islamic world in fields such as physics, chemistry and astronomy. «Arabic calligraphy cast an enchanting spell on Ali Omar Ermes’ artistic work from a tender age. Drawn to the inspiring beauty of the Arabic letterform, he embarked on a lifelong journey of exploration and innovation.
Ali Omar Ermes’ interest in calligraphy was not confined to tradition; it blossomed into a distinctive painterly style. He blended the rhythmic elegance of calligraphy with the visual allure of modern painting, creating a captivating fusion of form and meaning. The Arabic letters moved on his canvas, expressing symbolism and spirituality».
Addressing Social Issues – Ali Omar Ermes and the stand for justice
Through his art, Ali Omar Ermes addressed social issues: alongside his letters, he issued more overtly political writings addressing a wide range of themes, from freedom of speech and political leadership, the role of the individual in wider society and man’s impact on the natural environment: «Ali Omar Ermes was not content to create art solely for aesthetic pleasure. His artworks wielded the power of conscience and compassion, for he understood the role of an artist as a change-maker. In his art, Ermes fearlessly addressed pressing social issues, talking about the marginalized and oppressed.
Through his work titled “Aakhin Aakh,” he presented a plea for justice during the Bosnian-Serb war. The interconnected Arabic letters symbolized the unyielding unity of humanity, while the poetic messages conveyed a powerful call for positive change. Ermes’ art transformed into an agent of empathy and understanding, urging us to stand against injustice and promote a world founded on equity and compassion».
The Vision of a Harmonious World – Ali Omar Ermes
Ali Omar Ermes’ art held universal messages of love, compassion, and unity, inspiring dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between cultures. With a holistic approach, in which all aspects of human existence are considered essential to creativity, his painterly style combined tradition with modernity:
«Ali Omar Ermes’ art emanated a vision that transcended borders and ideologies. His brushstrokes were a reflection of intellect, contemplation, and empathy. Central to his artistic vision was the pursuit of a harmonious world, where cultural boundaries dissolved in the face of shared humanity. His works held a universal message of love, compassion, and unity that reached far beyond Libya and Europe.
He sought to inspire dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between cultures, envisioning a future where diversity was cherished, and prejudices were dismantled». In his artworks, he expressed and recognized the diplomacy and cultural exchange in fostering cooperation, and his art served as a bridge between different worlds.
Ali Omar Ermes and the Changing Relationship Between Libya and Europe
In 1967 Ali Omar Ermes left Libya on a government scholarship to study art in England, graduating from the Plymouth School of Architecture and Design in 1970 and later attending Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in London. He was active in numerous cultural institutions dedicated to interfaith dialogue and was the chairman of the Muslim Cultural Heritage Center in London.
«Understanding the evolving dynamics between Libya and Europe, Ali Omar Ermes highlighted the pivotal role of diplomacy and cultural exchange in fostering cooperation. His art served as a bridge between these two worlds, transcending walls of discord, and promoting a sense of mutual appreciation and respect.
Ermes’ vision extended beyond geopolitical divisions, embracing the human connections that unite us all. His art encouraged us to look beyond borders and recognize our shared responsibilities as global citizens».
Art and Migration – Human Stories through Ali Omar Ermes’s lens
Ali Omar Ermes’ art depicted the complexity of migration, urging us to recognize the impact of geopolitical decisions and conflicts on human lives. He was one of the first artists to introduce Arabic script, language, and etymology into artworks, but although his works strictly display Arabic script and poetry, he believed that artworks can be appreciated and understood by all cultures.
«Ali Omar Ermes’ artistic canvas extended beyond the surface to delve into the human stories of migrants. Recognizing the challenges faced by those seeking refuge, his art lent a poignant voice to their experiences. Through his brush, he depicted the complexities of migration, urging us to acknowledge the impact of geopolitical decisions and conflicts on human lives».
Ali Omar Ermes and the Art Scene in Libya and International Collaboration
His art challenged prejudices, celebrated shared values, and revealed the beauty of cultural diversity, inspiring cross-cultural dialogue and he aspired to a principled liberated art scene in Libya, where artists could express themselves, and envisioned collaborative projects to foster mutual respect and appreciation between Libyan and European artists.
«Ali Omar Ermes’ hopes for the future of the art scene in Libya were boundless. He envisioned a principled liberated artistic landscape, where artists could freely express themselves, unfettered by censorship or repression.
To him, art represented the essence of a nation’s identity and future, and he aspired to propel Libyan art toward boundless horizons. His vision extended beyond national borders, aiming to foster collaborative projects between Libyan and European artists. Through the universal language of art, he sought to engender mutual respect and appreciation, building bridges of understanding across diverse realms».
Ali Omar Ermes biography
Born in Tripoli in 1945, Ali Omar Ermes was internationally renowned for his beautifully composed paintings based on Arabic literature and letterforms. He is probably the most collected artist from the Muslim world. Ali Omar has held over sixty exhibitions worldwide, with work displayed or housed in the collections of institutions such as the British Museum and Tate Britain, London; Ashmolean Museum, Oxford and many others.
