Sculpture Munzer Mustafa’s artistic experience inspired by the history of art and mythology

Art, particularly sculpture, is a humanitarian message that should be disseminated to create hope and happiness inside the souls of human beings and it is a means to revive heritage, as sculpture has a long-standing presence in the Syrian civilization as evidenced by the unique monuments made by the old Syrians, according Syrian sculptor Munzer Mustafa. 

In a statement to SANA cultural bulletin, Mustafa said that he learned sculpture by instinct since childhood.He used to choose a stone and start sculpting various forms inspired by his imagination, using a knife as a simple tool to present wonderful pieces of art. 

In his sculptures, Mustafa embodied realistic, expressive and abstract characteristics, but he prefers the realistic type because it reflects his relationship with man, nature and the environment where he lives. He also depicted the feelings and mysteries of human beings in the form of sculptures that are almost alive  . 

“The artist must study the history of art, beauty and mythology to form a general idea in his imagination, noting that fantasy and myths have existed since old times,” Mustafa said. 

He made it clear that the woman is present in most of his works in appreciation of women’s position, her beauty, generosity and tenderness, as women are a symbol of continuous life. He considers that the strong presence of women in artistic works is the project of any artist, sculptor or poet. 

According to Mustafa, one of his dearest sculptural  works is called the “Jelwel” that depicts an arrogant young woman who flaunts her beauty.  

Mustafa uses white and yellow limestone in his sculptures due to its availability in his rural environment. He also uses the shiny onyx stone, as a preferable type of stone for carving. 

Besides sculpture, Mustafa also draws beautiful paintings, which are not less wonderful than his sculpture works. 

 He also wrote a novel as well as many poems and he can play several musical instruments like the lute, the flute and the rababa. 

It is to be noted that artist Munzer Mustafa participated in several solo and collective exhibitions inside Syria. He took part in the opening ceremony of the Damascus International Fair. His sculpture works can be seen in a number of Arab and foreign countries.

Hamda Mustafa