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.
Showing 4 of 125 biographies
Hassan Fathy
Delve into the life and works of Egyptian architect, story writer, teacher, and theorist Hassan Fathy in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Moustafa Farroukh
Delve into the life and works of foundational figure in Lebanese painting Moustafa Farroukh, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Safia Farhat
Explore artist Safia Farhat's impact on Tunisia's artistic and feminist movements in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Ammar Farhat
Read about Ammar Farhat, a pioneer, against all odds, of Tunisian modern art, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
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.
Brahim Alaoui
Find out more about art historian, curator, and artistic director Brahim Alaoui in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Anahi Alviso-Marino
Explore the work of multifaceted political scientist Anahi Alviso-Marino, including varied multimedia research-creation contributions.
Aparna Andhare
Get to know Aparna Andhare, an art historian, curator, and writer, whose ongoing project is committed to interpreting historical art forms.
Notes for an Autobiography Dia al-Azzawi
Delve into this foundational text by legendary Iraqi artist Dia al-Azzawi reflecting on his work and life journey from Baghdad to exile in London.
Notes On Weaving
Read this essay by curator Mouna Mekouar reflecting on how art bridges diverse cultures and redefines itself across different spaces and times.
Saliba Douaihy: Autobiography and Artistic Views
Badr El-Hage, co-founder of Lebanon's Nabu Museum, tells of his conversations with the late, and extraordinary, Lebanese artist Saliba Douaihy in this retelling.