National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters Remembers the Late Sami Muhammad's Career and His Prominent Contributions Over Six Decades

The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters held a memorial ceremony today, Wednesday, for the late Kuwaiti visual artist Sami Muhammad, honoring his creative career, which was rich with contributions, and commemorating his significant role in enriching the Kuwaiti and Arab visual arts movement over more than six decades.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, emphasized in a speech delivered at the event, held at the Modern Art Museum, that the late Sami Muhammad left behind a rich artistic and human legacy through a unique creative experience in sculpture and painting, making humanity the central focus for contemplation and expression.

Al-Jassar stated that the late artist was able, through his artistic works, to embody human emotions and questions, drawing from the human form profound artistic visions that expressed pain, resistance, and hope, ensuring his works remain a testament to the richness of his experience and the depth of his human sensitivity. He added that the legacy left by Sami Muhammad represents a living memory of the Kuwaiti visual arts movement and a visual and human archive for future generations, noting the honors and awards the late artist received at numerous Arab and international forums in recognition of his contributions and distinguished artistic achievements.

He clarified that the late artist’s distinction was not limited to his artistic creations but extended to his noble human qualities, particularly his humility and closeness to everyone, affirming that “his human presence was an authentic extension of his artistic presence, and his impact will remain present in Kuwait’s cultural memory.”

Al-Jassar stressed the General Secretariat of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters’ commitment to “preserving and documenting the artistic legacy of the late artist, so that he remains a landmark of Kuwaiti culture and a reference for future generations,” expressing his sincere condolences and sympathies to the deceased’s family and loved ones.

For his part, Bashar Sami, son of the late artist, delivered a speech on behalf of the family, expressing deep gratitude and appreciation to all who participated in mourning his father and commemorating his artistic and human career. He affirmed that the late artist left an indelible mark on the history of Kuwaiti visual arts, making his art a message that embodies the nation’s identity and narrates the features of its civilization and history.

He said his father had harbored a passion for sculpture since childhood, which marked the beginning of a long journey of creativity and contribution. During this journey, he drew inspiration from the desert for the art of Sadu and Arab authenticity, and from the sea for the struggle of Kuwaitis and their pursuit of livelihood, thereby embodying in his works the nation’s history and authentic heritage.

He added that the late artist addressed human issues and suffering in his artistic experience, making his sculptures an expression of human dignity, pain, and resilience. For him, art was the voice of the voiceless and a human message that transcended the boundaries of space and time.

He pointed out that the support provided by Kuwait to culture, arts, and creators had a significant impact on his father’s career and on the renaissance of the Kuwaiti visual arts movement. He explained that the late artist was keen to establish “Dar Maryam” in the heart of Kuwait as an expression of his gratitude to his homeland and a repayment of his debt to it, ensuring it remains an artistic edifice that houses his creative legacy and links Kuwait’s ancient past with its present.

Bashar affirmed that his father’s departure does not mean the absence of his impact, as his sculptures and paintings will remain as witnesses to the journey of an artist who believed that art is an immortal memory, and that every artistic work carries the story of a nation and a human experience worthy of being told to future generations.

The memorial ceremony, coordinated and presented by Sara Khalaf, included a documentary film that traced the life and career of the late Sami Muhammad, highlighting its key artistic and human milestones, and shedding light on his creative experience and contributions to the visual arts movement.

The ceremony also featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Nasser Al-Rafai, with participation from artists Jassem Bu Hamad and Bashar Sami Mohammed, and engineer Sabah Al-Rais. The session was dedicated to recalling the late artist’s career, highlighting his artistic and humanitarian legacy, and underscoring his stature within the Kuwaiti visual arts scene. (End) S.H.D