When asked about the source of his inspiration Ali sums it up with one word: transience.  Less elliptically he writes:


"I am not a philosopher, nor a poet, nor a scientist.  Although what I do (has) many connections with all of these.I have no ambition or intention of solving or looking for the answers for any social, political or spiritual questions.  I am just an observer, not even a recorder. I only respond to what I see, with what I know and feel. My tool bar includes lines, tones, colours, shapes and forms.  I am not interested in WHAT. HOW is what concerns me.  By depicting symbols such as the human figure, trees, boats, butterflies, empty boxes, books, tree barks and windows, I rely on creating the meaning by the way I draw, paint and juxtapose them.  The mystery element plays a major role in my work. Rather than  me suggesting the narrative, the narrative is suggested by the sculptural and decorative qualities of the form and then the obvious turns into something which can only appeal to the inner eye."


It is scarcely surprising that Ali's favorite artist is Giorgio de Chirico because of his innovative and enigmatic imagery.  Particularly the paintings dating from 1911 - 1920,  'deserted city squares filled with mysterious shadows, stopped clocks and sleeping statues.'

 

Keith Hunter