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 90 of 90 biographies

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Mohammed Ghani Hikmat

Explore Mohammed Ghani Hikmat's beginnings and works in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry about the undeniable Iraqi artist.

By Tiffany Floyd
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Elias Zayat

Delve into the life and works of prominent Syrian artist and art restorer Elias Zayat in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Mathilde Ayoub
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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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Abdel Hadi El-Gazzar

Read about artist Abdel Hadi El-Gazzar's short but prolific career as a leader of postwar Egyptian painting in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Alex Dika Seggerman
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Marwan Kassab-Bachi

Learn more about activist and artist Marwan Kassab-Bachi in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry about the late Syrian painter.

By ​​​​​Charlotte Bank
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Samir Rafi

Delve into the world of prominent Egyptian artist Samir Rafi in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Mehri Khalil
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Atta Sabri

Delve into this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry about pioneer of modern Iraqi art Atta Sabri.

By Tiffany Floyd
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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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Nejad Melih Devrim

Explore the life and work of legacy Turkish artist Nejad Melih Devrim in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Dr Necmi Sönmez
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Mohammad Ismail Gulgee

Explore the life and works of self-taught Pakistani artist Mohammad Ismail Gulgee in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Samina Iqbal
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Ragheb Ayad

Explore the life and work of prominent Egyptian painter, the late Ragheb Ayad in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Nadia Radwan
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Jilali Gharbaoui

Delve into the bold life and work of late artist Jilali Gharbaoui, considered one of the founders of modernism in Morocco.

By Holiday Powers
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Faiq Hassan

Faiq Hassan, the father of Iraqi modern art, was known for his representations of the Iraqi working class. Read more in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Tiffany Floyd
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Yahia Turki

Take a deep dive into the life and work of Yahia Turki, a pivotal figure in the world of Tunisian art, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Joan Grandjean
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Jamil Hamoudi

Discover the work and life of Iraqi painter, sculptor, poet, writer, and art critic, the late Jamil Hamoudi.

By Zouina Ait Slimani
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Abdul Qadir al-Rassam

Delve into the work of realist Abdul Qadir al-Rassam, part of the first generation of Iraqi modern painters, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Tiffany Floyd

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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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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.

Shirin Neshat in Conversation with Abdellah Karroum

Explore this interview hosted by critic and curator Abdellah Karroum, spotlighting Iranian artist Shirin Neshat.

Mona Hatoum: Turbulence

By ​Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath

Discover how Mona Hatoum explores the concept of turbulence as a metaphor and experience in her works.

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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