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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Showing 8 of 100 biographies

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Fateh Moudarres

Explore this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry about one of the most prominent modernist artists in Syria, influencing contemporary Syrian art, Fateh Moudarres.

By Nour Asalia
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Laila Muraywid

Read about multidisciplinary Syrian artist Laila Muraywid's life and inspirations in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Mathilde Ayoub
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​​​​​​Sliman Mansour

Explore the life and work of legendary Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Sarah Rogers
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Mohammed Melehi

Learn about leading Moroccan modernist Mohammed Melehi and his artistic contributions in the Mathaf Encyclopedia.

By Holiday Powers
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Baya Mahieddine

Read about Algerian figurative painter Baya Mahieddine in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Emma Chubb
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Ahmed Morsi

Delve into contemporary Egyptian artist Ahmed Morsi's paintings and Arabic poetry in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Lara Ayad
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Bahman Mohassess

Learn about prominent Iranian visual artist, translator, and theatre director Bahman Mohasses in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Tina Barouti
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Fikret Muallâ

Read about Turkish painter Fikret Muallâ in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Dr Necmi Sönmez

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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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Ahmed Cherkaoui: Decode his Memory

By Brahim Alaoui

Explore this essay by researcher, museum director and juror Brahim Alaoui about the life, work and genius of Moroccan painter Ahmed Cherkaoui.

Record, or Arab Art Again

By Dr Nada Shabout

Delve into this essay exploring Arab identity, politics and their intersection with modern Arab art, as a reflection on Mathaf's inaugural exhibition Sajjil: A Century of Modern Art.

Salim al-Dabbagh: Eloquence of Silence

By May Muzaffar

Delve into the life, work and inspirations of undeniable Iraqi artist Salim al-Dabbagh through this essay, penned by poet and writer May Muzaffar.

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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