An Article by A.M. (632 words, 4 min. read)
Wissam Melhem’s new exhibition STRATA, now showing at Kaf Art Gallery, Achrafieh, opened on June 18, 2025 and feels like stepping into someone’s mind, layer by layer. The show, made up mostly of sculptures, is all about how we build our inner world through experience, memory, emotion, and perception. It is poetic without trying too hard to be, and it makes you pause and look closer.
The Five Symbols That Keep Coming Back
If you know Ouisam’s work, you will recognize his five key elements right away: the bird, the cloud, the crown, the city, and the human figure. They were always part of his artistic language, and they show up again here, but differently.
In STRATA, they are reshaped, reimagined, and more connected to the idea of thought and life being layered, complex, and never still. Each symbol feels like a different part of the self, or the world, trying to find its place.
A Colorful Trio: One Form, Three Ways
Just past the entry, you will notice different sets of three nearly identical sculptures (same shape, same scale) but each painted from within in a different color. It is hard to tell if the color shift is a key part of the concept or just an aesthetic or decorative choice, but it made us pause.
Each color subtly changes how the sculpture reads: one feels warm and grounded, another cool and distant, the third almost playful. It is a simple idea, yet it adds another layer (pun intended) to the theme of STRATA. Whether Ouisam meant for us to see them as distinct emotional states or just enjoy the variation, it is an intriguing visual beat in the show.
A Surprising Turn in His Paintings
Even though the sculptures take center stage, there are a few paintings tucked into the show that really caught our attention. Two in particular stand out; both on white backgrounds, filled with colors, stories and sketches that seem to spill out freely. They are not for sale, but they are worth stopping in front of. These paintings feel like a different direction for the artist, more spontaneous and vibrant, and we would love to see where that path leads.
About the Display
One thing that felt a bit off for us was the way the sculptures were displayed. Most were placed directly on newspapers which in turn were covered with bubble wrap. Maybe it was meant to feel raw or unfiltered, but for us, it did not quite support the strength of the work. The materials distracted from the pieces instead of highlighting them. We also wished the layout had more movement (more levels, some space to breathe) rather than a straight line of works. These sculptures are full of depth and emotion, and they deserve a presentation that lets them fully speak.
A Space to Slow Down
The exhibition still manages to create a thoughtful, introspective mood. It is a quiet kind of show, not loud nor flashy, but one that stays with you.
It asks you to think about how we make sense of life, and how our identities are shaped or reshaped over time. It is about connecting with the noise of the world while trying to hold onto something hidden inside ourselves.
Peeling Back the Layers
STRATA is about feeling art, rather than simply looking at it. Ouisam offers us another version of his five symbolic pillars, and in doing so, invites us into a deeply personal space. While the presentation is remeniscent of a set being meticulously prepared for a paint job, the work itself is sincere and thought-provoking. It is a show that reminds us that life is built in layers, and art can help us see them more clearly.
