There is a certain magic in seeing the world through the eyes of a child. A boundless realm of imagination, where colors burst into life and forms break free from the rigidity of reality. This sense of wonder was brought vividly to life in Shaza Bazerbashi’s exhibition, “The Happy Prince,” at Art Scene Gallery – Beirut, where she taps into the spontaneity and unfiltered creativity of children through a series of vibrant, expressive, and deeply evocative artworks.
Walking into the exhibition feels like stepping into a playground of the imagination. Large canvases burst with a riot of colors—bright acrylics mingling with the textures of spray paints and pastels, each piece exuding an energy that feels at once spontaneous and considered. The works are not polished or overthought; instead, they possess a raw quality, as if the artist had dipped into the playful spirit of childhood and transferred it directly onto the canvas.
Shaza Bazerbashi’s inspiration came from her time spent communicating and playing with children, an experience that allowed her to see how unbound their minds are by the conventions adults often adhere to. Her artwork is a celebration of this freedom—of the way children create without fear of judgment, exploring new ideas with a pure sense of joy and discovery.
One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is how each painting seems to pulse with its own unique narrative, much like the vivid and often unpredictable stories children might weave. Shapes melt into one another, splashes of color feel like bursts of laughter, and whimsical details invite viewers to lose themselves in the possibilities of the scene.
Some paintings in “The Happy Prince” display layered, textured strokes, evoking a sense of the layered thoughts children express when imagining their world. The layers might symbolize different stories they create as they speak, letting their imagination flow from one idea to another without constraint. Other pieces are more minimalistic, yet equally powerful, proving that sometimes, simplicity is the key to capturing the essence of a child’s mind.
There is something both nostalgic and refreshing in Bazerbashi’s work. While adults may try to make sense of the abstract forms, the show serves as a gentle reminder to let go of interpretation and to simply feel—just as children do. This message resonates deeply throughout the exhibition, connecting us all to our younger selves and encouraging us to view the world with a fresh perspective, one rooted in the uninhibited playfulness of childhood.
As I wandered through the exhibition, I was reminded of the famous quote from Albert Einstein:
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”
This sentiment reflects what Bazerbashi has captured in her work—a celebration of the infinite possibilities that the imagination can unlock. In a world where reality often feels heavy, “The Happy Prince” offers a joyful escape into a place where creativity reigns, and wonder knows no bounds.
In the end, Shaza Bazerbashi’s exhibition is not just an artistic experience; it’s an invitation. It calls on us to rediscover the magic of our inner child, to play, and to dream in vibrant colors. Through her skillful use of acrylics, sprays, and pastels, she has created a world where we can all be children again, if only for a moment.
