MINT MUSEUM ConstellationCLT (2022)

Artist bio by Curator Jamila Brown

Self-taught and inspired to be an artist since childhood, Naji Al-Ali's practice came to fruition seamlessly. Al-Ali observes that his work "started off as painting and developed into meaning." Parallel to the idea of borderlessness, seen for example in Free Birds, Al-Ali recalls traveling often as a child and "never feeling like I had just one home." This nomad-like freedom fed his creativity while allowing him to forge new ideas of place and belonging in various pockets of the world. Being born in Dubai, growing up in Qatar, and taking annual summer trips to Egypt and Jordan, Al-Ali expresses his need to "create my own home." Though he has yet to step foot on his homeland of Palestine, Al-Ali feels a deep connection to his lineage and roots there. The city of Charlotte also plays a sacred role in his creative life, being the birthplace of his signature Lemonback character, described as "the abstract reflection of the world that we live in." In addition to Lemonback, which also touches on the lemonback species of pythons, Al-Ali pairs his Free Birds with snake imagery as a symbolic reminder of continual evolution and being grounded on Earth.

Naji AI-Ali developed an affinity for art early on and was inspired by the work of a politically critical Palestinian cartoonist who is his namesake. He is also influenced by his travels, present surroundings, and heritage. As an artist, Al-Ali thoughtfully conceives of new worlds and employs symbolism imbued by his own sense of belonging, identity, and faith. Akin to the wind's guidance of birds as they fly, he lives and works navigated by an intuitive and spiritual source, expressing it as the "Universe telling me how to maneuver." Through the daintiest of details, seen for example by his working in threes throughout this series, Al-Ali creatively connects to his Islamic-based spirituality and larger purpose. Meticulously attuned to the minute elements of each composition, Naji Al-Ali aims to create space for each viewer to dive deeper into their own worlds by working in a manner of simplicity that stokes thought and distinct resonance.ing me how to maneuver." Through the daintiest of details, seen for example by his working in threes throughout this series, Al-Ali creatively connects to his Islamic-based spirituality and larger purpose. Meticulously attuned to the minute elements of each composition, Naji Al-Ali aims to create space for each viewer to dive deeper into their own worlds by working in a manner of simplicity that stokes thought and distinct resonance.