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Two early works on the important Kuwaiti artist Khalifa Qattan (1934-2003), who founded the Circlism movement in 1962. Circlism followed 3 rules: that life and evolution require expression through curved or circular lines; 7 basic colours should be used separately to convey their individual meanings (black = mystery, death; white = purity, faith; blue = peace, coolness, etc); and realistic subject matter is needed to mirror life and individual personalities. BOOK (1) "The Kuwaiti Artist Khalifa Qattan introduces Circlism", Kuwait: Government Press, nd c1964-5. Illustrated wraps 17x24cm, (28)pp including wraps, with text in English and Italian, 9 paintings reproduced in colour, and artist photo in b/w. This appears to have been initiated and prepared by the artist, "With compliment of the artist" stated towards the back. It presents a brief bio with exhibition lists up to 1964/5, explains Circlism, presents 8 works with explanations, with a list 20 works at the front and portrait of Emir Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah titled "The man of a big heart and vigilant eye". BOOK (2): "Khalifa Qattan & Circulism", no author or publisher indicated (perhaps the artist himself), undated c1972-4. Colour illustrated wraps 16x21cm, 36pp English and Arabic text with paintings in colour, and colour and b/w photos of the artist at work. The text includes biography with list of personal and collective exhibitions up to 1972-4, followed by 26 paintings dating to 1966-72, thus providing a continuation to those presented in the first book. Both booklets very good, with a couple of short closed tears and light creasing. Both very rare, with Worldcat and Jisc locating just 5 of (1) (Exeter, Nottingham and Melbourne Universities, Morocco National Library, National Gallery of Australia), and 2 of (2) (V&A, UCLA). Seller Inventory # 4913
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