The Artistic Journey Of A Global Art Collector: Fayez Barakat In Interview With Dinis Guarda

Fayez Barakat, one of the world’s most prominent art collectors and the owner of Barakat Gallery, is a recognised artist himself. A friend to famous global artists, Dali, Picasso and Warhol, Fayez speaks about his personal journey as an artist, and the healing power of art in Dinis Guarda YouTube interview.

Art has the capacity to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries, making it a global medium for communication. Artistic expression allows individuals to share their unique narratives, fostering empathy and understanding among diverse audiences. In a world often marked by division, art becomes a unifying force that reminds us of our shared humanity.

“It’s a very challenging position to be an artist because you strive for perfection, you strive to be different than any other artist, and also at the same time you try to develop your own school and technique in the process. To do that, you have to go through tens of hundreds of paintings.”

Fayez told Dinis that at present, he has over 100 digital books and 300 YouTube videos that are accessible to understand the different techniques and subjects that Fayez has covered in his paintings.

As an artist, Fayez believes that an art serves as a unique channel for individuals to communicate and share their inner worlds with the external one. Each brushstroke, he says, is a piece of the artist's soul infused into the work. Whether abstract or representational, art reflects the artist's distinct voice and provides a visual or auditory narrative that invites viewers into their personal realm. It is an intimate dialogue between creator and creation, a visual or auditory language that transcends the limitations of spoken words.

“I defy the concept of abstractness. I don’t think anything is abstract. Sometimes, a work of art is an imprint of a thought, a perception, a feeling, or a sensation that an artist feels, and that is transmitted in his work”, he says.

The healing power of art

Art, in its myriad forms, has long been recognised as a powerful means of expression capable of transcending language and reaching the deepest recesses of the human soul. Fayez believes that beyond its aesthetic appeal, art carries the transformative ability to heal, providing solace and insight in the face of life's challenges. The act of creating art, as well as immersing oneself in it, has been proven to evoke emotions, foster self-reflection, and offer a cathartic release.

“I believe that we, as human beings, are affected by colours, form, subjects, and themes. I created a series of paintings to enhance and transcend the human mind from one’s misery and illness to feel better. In many ways, it proved to be healing.”

Fayez told about his collection of 8 videos, named Beyond Bliss, that were sponsored by the United Nations to help people around the world. “I’m really proud to see that my type of art is taking a direction that would be a beginner to help people change their status”, he added.

Speaking about his legacy as an artist, he said:

“Each one of my paintings is a symphony carrying a message that can only be understood by someone that has an equal spiritual and intellectual capacity to comprehend it and translate it in their own lives.”