Bashar: Sami Muhammad’s march continues at “Dar Maryam” in fulfillment of his will
Bashar Sami, the son of the late world-renowned visual artist Sami Muhammad, affirmed that his father’s legacy will continue after his passing through his museum, “Dar Maryam,” and his remaining artworks, which will be preserved in accordance with his will, ensuring the continuity of his enduring artistic presence.
In a statement, Bashar explained that he was fortunate to accompany his father during his treatment journey, which included many conversations about his vast artistic heritage. He spoke on behalf of himself, his mother, his siblings Osama, Muhammad, Kawthar, and Haya, as well as the grandchildren. He noted that his family is committed to fulfilling the late artist’s wish to support the arts, recognizing their crucial role in preserving and sustaining civilizations. Sami Muhammad often cited the Egyptian civilization, which endured for over 7,000 years through its art, sculptures, and wall paintings, as a testament to this principle.
The late artist’s family expressed their gratitude to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and to all relevant authorities that facilitated his medical treatment in London at state expense, which lasted for eight consecutive months.
They also extended their thanks to “Al-Jarida” newspaper for its support of the late artist and its consistent coverage of his news and professional activities.
Bashar added that while he is aware of his father’s extensive network and fan base spanning more than half a century, the outpouring of love, presence, and support in response to his health crisis revealed that Sami Muhammad had a large global family. People around the world rushed to call or visit to inquire about his condition when he was in intensive care, leaving his children and grandchildren with a profound sense of gratitude for all the support they received. This experience also made them acutely aware of the magnitude of the legacy left by their father—not merely the material legacy of timeless artworks, but also the public’s affection and his widespread popularity, which they are determined to preserve and maintain as a continuation of the beloved artist Muhammad Sami’s presence and immortality.
He further emphasized that the large turnout at the mourning sessions had a significant impact on the late artist’s family, who felt a deep sense of love and support during their hardship of losing their father.
It is worth noting that the world-renowned artist Sami Muhammad passed away last Tuesday, corresponding to the 11th of the current month, at the age of 82, after a battle with illness. He leaves behind a massive artistic heritage and a career spanning over six decades, during which he received numerous local and international honors, including the State Encouragement Award in 1999, the State Appreciation Award in 2015, and the Artistic Creativity Award within the fourth edition of the “Arab Thought Foundation” awards in 2010, among other achievements throughout a career rich with contributions. He dedicated his life to visual arts and sculpture, playing a key role in consolidating the status of the Kuwaiti visual arts movement locally, regionally, and internationally.
