The exhibition's opening was attended by Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hano, alongside several artists and public figures.
Quarter Tone includes over 60 of Shamma’s acrylic paintings, many incorporating the sawdust of the oud.
Shamma’s inaugural solo exhibition, Half Life, was held in Abu Dhabi in February 2024 and included over 70 paintings.
Speaking at the exhibition, the Iraqi artist informed The National that he created over 120 paintings in Egypt for personal enjoyment.
He was unaware of their potential until his friends, who are art enthusiasts, recognized their significance.
Shamma is one of the most renowned Arab musicians, virtuoso, oud player, and composer.
He has performed numerous concerts across the Arab and international world and composed music for films, plays, and TV series.
Born in 1963 in Kut, Iraq, Shamma graduated from the Institute of Music Studies in Baghdad in 1987 and attained a PhD in Musical Philosophy.
He lived in Egypt for many years, founding the first Beit Al-Oud Al-Arabi (The Arabian Oud House) in Cairo (1999), a school dedicated to teaching the instrument to new generations.
Later, he opened other branches in Abu Dhabi, Alexandria, Baghdad, Khartoum, Riyadh, and Mosul.
Shamma has received over 70 international awards, which include Best Artist in Iraq (1994), the Royal British Academy Award (1998), and the Rotterdam Arab Festival Award (2007).
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