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 100 of 100 biographies

tbc

Atta Sabri

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

By Tiffany Floyd
tbc

​​​​​​Sliman Mansour

Explore the life and work of legendary Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Sarah Rogers
tbc

Nejad Melih Devrim

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

By Dr Necmi Sönmez
tbc

Mohammad Ismail Gulgee

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

By Samina Iqbal
tbc

Ragheb Ayad

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

By Nadia Radwan
tbc

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
tbc

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
tbc

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
tbc

Jamil Hamoudi

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

By Zouina Ait Slimani
tbc

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
tbc

Dia al-Azzawi

Delve into the life and works of inimitable Iraqi artist Dia al-Azzawi, pioneer of the 'daftar' art form, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Saleem Al-Bahloly
tbc

George Daoud Corm

Explore the life and work of Lebanese visual artist and writer, George Daoud Corm, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Sarah Rogers
tbc

Ammar Farhat

Read about Ammar Farhat, a pioneer, against all odds, of Tunisian modern art, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Joan Grandjean
TBC

Farah Oussouli

Read about Iranian artist Farah Oussouli, known for her work centred around illustrated manuscripts, traditional Persian miniature paintings, and classical literature.

By Dr Necmi Sönmez
tbc

Salem Al-Dabbagh

Read about influential Iraqi artist Salem al-Dabbagh in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
tbc

Suad al-Attar

Delve into the life and work of Suad al-Attar, one of Iraq's leading female artists, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Tiffany Floyd

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.