Abdulhamid Ismail... The Beard Does Not Create Creatives
Two weeks after the passing of his colleague and close friend, the artist and sculptor Sami Muhammad, we have lost another colleague and a man of noble character, Abdulhamid Ismail.
A silent artist, he preferred silence and quiet over noise and self-aggrandizement. He lived his life in simplicity, or rather, beyond simplicity. Belonging to the generation of the 1940s, he was accompanied by friends and schoolmates from the neighborhood. I never heard him raise his voice above what was necessary.
He was a friend from the eastern neighborhood, along with his older brother, Yahya, who passed away four years ago. The two brothers loved art, culture, reading, and embracing books; I humbly count myself as their third companion.
In the evenings, depending on the circumstances and weather, we would sit in the courtyard that opened onto all the alleys, known as "Al-Adwazi Neighborhood." Abdulhamid was not as passionate about reading and collecting books as we two were—his late brother Yahya and the author of these lines. However, his passion lay in drawing and visual arts in general.
After the second grade of middle school, he left school, though I do not know the reasons. His departure was notable, even within the neighborhood, possibly due to a move to another area. Nevertheless, our relationship did not sever after their relocation; I would occasionally meet him, particularly at the "Free Studio," which was dedicated to full-time visual artists. Its location was in Qutaiba Primary School, which later became the Teachers College.
After leaving school, Abdulhamid entered government service, joining the Kuwait Municipality. This was a gateway for many job seekers, as the municipality wielded broad authority and covered a vast geographical area. However, Abdulhamid began showing another kind of activity when I saw him participating in art exhibitions organized by the Ministry of Education at Al-Mubarakiya School, known as the "Spring Exhibition." This annual exhibition was open to all amateur painters, sculptors, and creators of other artistic crafts, from both citizens and residents, and of both genders.
I met him again after a long absence, only to find his face covered by a thick beard, making his facial features barely distinguishable. Years later, I met him again and noticed he had shaved off his beard, which piqued my curiosity. I asked him, "Where did the beard go?" He replied, "The beard does not create art."
The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, as is its custom, promptly issued a condolence message for the visual artist and sculptor Abdulhamid Ismail, highlighting the awards he received during his artistic career and the various materials he used in his works, particularly wood.
Despite some conservatism, the arts in general, and visual arts and sculpture in particular, have not declined. In every artistic season, exhibition halls showcase excellent artworks. Notably, the participation of women and young girls draws attention, indicating that visual arts in Kuwait are thriving. What is needed is continued follow-up, care, and support from government officials, especially those responsible for art, culture, literature, and music, as everyone possesses unique artistic qualities.
May God have mercy on my friend, companion, and colleague Abdulhamid Ismail. He was a man of noble character and a reliable friend. This world is a place of departure; nothing remains for people except their deeds. Let us have mercy on the departed and pray for the well-being of those who remain.
$ Kuwaiti journalist
