Background
Hassan Massoudy was born in 1944, in Najaf, southern Iraq in a traditional Iraqi society.
He left for Paris in 1969 where he enrolled at the École des Beaux - Arts.
Hassan Massoudy was born in 1944, in Najaf, southern Iraq in a traditional Iraqi society.
Hassan moved to Baghdad in 1961, where he learnt the various classical styles of calligraphy, studied graphic design and fine arts. His desire to study art, coupled with the political events in Iraq at the time, saw him leave for Paris in 1969 where he enrolled at the École des Beaux- Arts. Massoudy was not only influenced by the great Arabic masters but also the artists Leger, Matisse, Soulages and Picasso. After receiving his degree in 1975 he returned to calligraphy in a more enriched way, employing classical styles in a newer and freer manner.
Over the years, calligraphy progressively got into his figurative painting and eventually took its place. In 1972, he created the show "Arabesque" with the actor Guy Jacquet joined a few years later by the musician Fawzy Al Aiedy. Arabesque was a public performance combining music and poetry together with calligraphies being performed and projected on a large screen. They did many performances across France and Europe over a period of thirteen years. Over the years, it brought more spontaneity in his gesture and a more instantaneous way for him to express himself. This experience marked a definite turn in Hassan's work.
The drawing of his calligraphy became swifter and his gesture richer. Traditionally Arabic calligraphy is done with black ink. To better express himself, he broke from the tradition and introduced other colours particularly on his work on large size paper. While creating new pieces, he put together on his own, another show focusing on improvisations called "Calligraphie d'ombre et de lumiere" or "calligraphy of light and shade" (see details for public performance in exhibitions and events). In that new show, calligraphies are created in front of the very eyes of the spectator; black letters contrasting with light. Phrases, words and letters are projected on the screen. With calm and control, each letter takes shape flowing freely in the bright light. Then the movement accelerates, the word charged with energy eventually finds its perfect balance. The aesthetic, geometry and rhythms of the calligraphy are unveiled. The compositions are born. The dynamics of the gesture gives birth to poetry.
In 1995, he is involved in the design of the stage set for the ballet "Selim" with the dancer Kader Belarbi from the Opera de Paris and the singer Houria Aichi on a choreography from Kalemenis.
In 2005 he met the dancer and choreographer Carolyn Carlson, and the musician Kudsi Erguner. Together with three other dancers and three other musicians, they created the show "Metaphore", a harmony of music, dance and calligraphy.
Acanthus embroidered panel
1890Boy and the Candle
1943Children on the Alley
Constanța Promenade
1910Daniel's Answer to the King
1890Hopewell Valley Sun
1959Jugend magazine
Lake Geneva
1914Le grand bateau
1927Le Lac de Saint-Mandé
Lost in Translation
2004Lotus
1977Moon Bath
1988Odalisque
Portrait of Mrs. Howe
1900The Family
1988The Library
1997Untitled
1968View from Cozzen's Hotel near West Point, N.Y.
1963Wheatfield with Crows