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.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Clear

Showing 8 of 100 biographies

tbc

Omar el-Nagdi

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

By Sarah Dwider
tbc

Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi

Delve into over three decades of Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi's work and inspirations in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Samina Iqbal
TBC

Leila Nseir

Read about renowned Syrian painter and poet Leila Nseir in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Nour Asalia
tbc

Hamed Nada

Learn about prominent Egyptian painter Hamed Nada in the Mathaf Encyclopedia.

By Nadia Radwan
tbc

Ezzeldin Naguib

Read about artist, writer and art critic Ezzeldin Naguib in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Mehri Khalil
TBC

Effat Naghi

Find out about influential Egyptian artist Effat Naghi and the creativity behind her remarkable works.

By Nadine Atallah
tbc

Jamil Naqsh

Read about Pakistani artist Jamil Naqsh's figurative oil paintings of women with pigeons, and more, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Samina Iqbal
tbc

Marguerite Nakhla

Discover pioneering Egyptian artist Marguerite Nakhla's life and career in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Nadine Atallah

Meet the Authors

See All Authors
tbc

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.
tbc

Aparna Andhare

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

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.
tbc

Nour Asalia

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

You May Also Like

Read all essays

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

Main Page

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

Image Rights & Reproduction

Learn more about requesting images from the Mathaf Encyclopedia and guidelines for reproduction and copyright.