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 14 of 140 biographies

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Najat Makki

Explore this Mathaf Encyclopedia about Emirati visual multidisciplinary artist Najat Makki.

By Sophie Kazan Makhlouf
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Nja Mahdaoui

Delve into the life and work of renowned Tunisian visual artist and calligrapher Nja Mahdaoui in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Rachida Triki
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Sami Mohammad

Explore Sami Mohammad's artistic contributions, a significant chapter in Kuwait’s art history, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Zahra A. Hussein Ali
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Ahmed Mater

Learn about Saudi artist Ahmed Mater's journey from medicine to art in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Ghadeer Sadeq
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Philippe Mourani

Explore the life and work of Lebanese painter Phillippe Mourani in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Marie Tomb
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Mahmoud Mokhtar

Discover the life and works of Egyptian modern art and sculpture pioneer, Mahmoud Mokhtar, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Alex Dika Seggerman
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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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Brahim Alaoui

Find out more about art historian, curator, and artistic director Brahim Alaoui in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
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Zahra A. Hussein Ali

Discover the work of Zahra A. Hussein Ali, whose research explores comparative literature and visual culture, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
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Anahi Alviso-Marino

Explore the work of multifaceted political scientist Anahi Alviso-Marino, including varied multimedia research-creation contributions.

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Photos from Baghdad: Notes on the First National Art Exhibition for Arab Women Artists, 1980

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Delve into this essay by researcher and curator Lina Ramadan reconstructing the overlooked history of the First National Art Exhibition for Arab Women Artists in Baghdad.

Tomorrows Ripen Today

By Shuddhabrata Sengupta

Read this essay exploring how human history, technology, and art connect across time to keep the world alive and moving.

Jewad Selim: On Abstraction and Symbolism

By Dr. Nada Shabout

Discover the world of modern artist and sculptor Jewad Selim and his work exploring symbolism, abstraction and historical roots.

About the Encyclopedia

Main Page

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

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