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 11 of 125 biographies

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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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​​​​​​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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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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Mohammed Melehi

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

By Holiday Powers
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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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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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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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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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Philippe Mourani

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

By Marie Tomb
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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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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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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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Anahi Alviso-Marino

Explore the work of multifaceted political scientist Anahi Alviso-Marino, including varied multimedia research-creation contributions.
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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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Notes for an Autobiography Dia al-Azzawi

By 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

By Badr el-Hage

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.

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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