Artists' Biographies

Featuring the lives behind the art, these biographies highlight the voices and practices of artists who have shaped modern and contemporary art in the SWANA region. Through concise, research-driven portraits, each entry offers key insights into the artist’s life and practice, enriching the understanding of the region’s evolving artistic landscape.
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Ragheb Ayad

Explore the life and work of prominent Egyptian painter, the late Ragheb Ayad in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Nadia Radwan
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Jilali Gharbaoui

Delve into the bold life and work of late artist Jilali Gharbaoui, considered one of the founders of modernism in Morocco.

By Holiday Powers
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Faiq Hassan

Faiq Hassan, the father of Iraqi modern art, was known for his representations of the Iraqi working class. Read more in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Tiffany Floyd
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Yahia Turki

Take a deep dive into the life and work of Yahia Turki, a pivotal figure in the world of Tunisian art, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Joan Grandjean
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Jamil Hamoudi

Discover the work and life of Iraqi painter, sculptor, poet, writer, and art critic, the late Jamil Hamoudi.

By Zouina Ait Slimani
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Abdul Qadir al-Rassam

Delve into the work of realist Abdul Qadir al-Rassam, part of the first generation of Iraqi modern painters, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Tiffany Floyd
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Dia al-Azzawi

Delve into the life and works of inimitable Iraqi artist Dia al-Azzawi, pioneer of the 'daftar' art form, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Saleem Al-Bahloly
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George Daoud Corm

Explore the life and work of Lebanese visual artist and writer, George Daoud Corm, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Sarah Rogers
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Ammar Farhat

Read about Ammar Farhat, a pioneer, against all odds, of Tunisian modern art, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Joan Grandjean
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Farah Oussouli

Read about Iranian artist Farah Oussouli, known for her work centred around illustrated manuscripts, traditional Persian miniature paintings, and classical literature.

By Dr Necmi Sönmez
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Salem Al-Dabbagh

Read about influential Iraqi artist Salem al-Dabbagh in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
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Suad al-Attar

Delve into the life and work of Suad al-Attar, one of Iraq's leading female artists, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Tiffany Floyd
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Fahrelnissa Zeid

Learn about Fahrelnissa Zeid, a Turkish mid-20th century modernist artist, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Adila Laïdi-Hanieh
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Inji Efflatoun

Explore pivotal Egyptian artist Inji Efflatoun's life and work in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Nadine Atallah
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Menhat Helmy

Read about Egyptian artist Menhat Helmy in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Mehri Khalil
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Omar el-Nagdi

Delve into Egyptian artist Omar el_Nagdi's figurative paintings in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Sarah Dwider

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Nancy Adajania

Learn about the curatorial journey of Nancy Adajania and her exhibitions including one that showcased the first-ever mapping the women’s movement in India.
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Aparna Andhare

Get to know Aparna Andhare, an art historian, curator, and writer, whose ongoing project is committed to interpreting historical art forms.
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Deniz Artun

Learn about Deniz Artun, a writer and curator recognised by the French Republic for her contributions to Turkish-French artistic and cultural exchange.
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Nour Asalia

Learn about Nour Asalia, a Syrian artist, researcher, and scholar whose writings focus on modern and contemporary Syrian art.

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Shirin Neshat in Conversation with Abdellah Karroum

Explore this interview hosted by critic and curator Abdellah Karroum, spotlighting Iranian artist Shirin Neshat.

Mona Hatoum: Turbulence

By ​Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath

Discover how Mona Hatoum explores the concept of turbulence as a metaphor and experience in her works.

Drawing Chronicles: Wael Shawky’s Cabaret Crusades and the Fall of Teleological History

By Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev

Discover how artist Wael Shawky reimagines history through his Cabaret Crusades trilogy using marionettes, elaborate scenography and classical Arabic speech.

About the Encyclopedia

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Explore the Mathaf Encyclopedia of Modern and Contemporary Arab Art. Discover artist biographies, essays, and scholarly insights.

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