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 6 of 100 biographies
Hassan Soliman
Explore the work of prolific writer and artist Hassan Soliman in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Atta Sabri
Delve into this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry about pioneer of modern Iraqi art Atta Sabri.
Jagdish Swaminathan
Find out about artist and ideologue Jagdish Swaminathan in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Hassan Sharif
Uncover how leading Emirati conceptual artist Hassan Sharif pioneered new visual languages, and more, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Mahmoud Sabri
Delve into the life and career of Iraqi artist and intellectual Mahmoud Sabri in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Anwar Jalal Shemza
Read about Anwar Jalal Shemza, a key modernist artist from postcolonial South Asia, 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.
Aparna Andhare
Get to know Aparna Andhare, an art historian, curator, and writer, whose ongoing project is committed to interpreting historical art forms.
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.
Nour Asalia
Learn about Nour Asalia, a Syrian artist, researcher, and scholar whose writings focus on modern and contemporary Syrian art.
Ahmed Cherkaoui: Decode his Memory
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
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
Delve into the life, work and inspirations of undeniable Iraqi artist Salim al-Dabbagh through this essay, penned by poet and writer May Muzaffar.