Meson Panza Verde is a home to the many excellent Guatemalan and Expat artists that exhibit their works each month. However, this month is perhaps more special than usual with Fake Landscapes, by the world renown artist Waseem Syed.
Born in Pakistan in 1955, he met his future wife whilst studying in California and has lived in Guatemala for the past 25 years. He says of Guatemala:
“I fell in love with Guatemala the very first time I came here. The landscapes, the culture, the people, the weather……the list goes on.”
For many years he has dedicated his time promoting Central American art as a curator and promoter. He had the honour of being named as the Goodwill Ambassador by Fundacion Rozas Botran and entrusted with the task of promoting the book “Entre Siglos” internationally. “I presented the book at my old alma matter “National College of Arts” in Lahore, Pakistan . We had a great presentation about Central American Contemporary Art and I am trying
to create a cultural exchange program between the institutions”
So back to Fake Landscapes. I asked Waseem if this name evolved from the Trump era, to which he replied: ‘The word “Fake” definitely is inspired by the recent events. I have “Stolen” or “borrowed” it to foment a discussion that is at the same time pertinent to the current world situation and contemporary art as well. I fancy myself as a “Gentleman instigator “ who provokes discussion between two opposite sides and moves to the side to just observe the ensuing fireworks. The word “Fake” is liberally applied in the Contemporary art when it moves out of the classical or modern realm .
The viewers don’t know how to describe contemporary art work (or define it as ART) when the work does not fall in to the confines of their narrow definitions of art. The current trend in Guatemalan art world is to defined by the PAIN & SUFFERING which by itself validates a “true” artist. I choose neither side. “ Pictorial / aesthetical “ or “Social/political” commentary . My work disguises the social commentary in its aesthetical presentation… one has to dig deep to find the significance. My aim is to provoke the discussion by calling it out myself, hence the title “Fake Landscapes”. They could be labelled “Fake” but they are real in my mind and mercifully as an artist I have the right to do so… the politicians don’t have this luxury…”
Fake Landscapes runs from the 8 th of August until September the 10 th . Why not come to the opening this Wednesday between from 5pm and meet Waseem Syed in person!
Contact Information:
Galería Panza Verde
5 ave Sur #19, Antigua Guatemala
(502) 7955-8282
