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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Tamam al-Akhal

Delve into the life and work of Tamam al-Akhal, a foundational figure in modern Palestinian art, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Lina Ramadan
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Chaibiya Talal

Explore the life and work of Chaibiya Talal, whose artistic contributions have shaped the cultural landscape.

By Farid Zahi
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Inji Efflatoun

Explore pivotal Egyptian artist Inji Efflatoun's life and work in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Nadine Atallah
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Daoud Corm

Read about Lebanese portraitist David Corm in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Sarah Rogers
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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
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Safia Farhat

Explore artist Safia Farhat's impact on Tunisia's artistic and feminist movements in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Lina Ramadan
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Ezzedine Hamouda

Read about accomplished Egyptian painter and theorist Ezzedine Hamouda in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Clare Davies
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Hamed Abdalla

Learn about Egyptian artist Hamed Abdalla in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Mehri Khalil
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Amal Kenawy

Read about Egyptian visual artist Amal Kenawy's career and untimely passing in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Clare Davies
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Asaad Arabi

Find out how influential artist Asaad Arabi's Lebanese origins and Syrian roots impacted his life and career in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Nour Asalia
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Jellal Ben Abdallah

Explore self-taught Tunisian artist Jellal Ben Abdallah's life and career trajectory in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Beya Othmani
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Hassan Sharif

Uncover how leading Emirati conceptual artist Hassan Sharif pioneered new visual languages, and more, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Laura Barlow
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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
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Marguerite Nakhla

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

By Nadine Atallah
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Abidin Dino

Read about versatile Turkish artist Abidin Dino's beginnings and career in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.

By Deniz Artun
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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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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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Drawing Chronicles: Wael Shawky’s Cabaret Crusades and the Fall of Teleological History

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Discover how artist Wael Shawky reimagines history through his Cabaret Crusades trilogy using marionettes, elaborate scenography and classical Arabic speech.

Wael Shawky in Conversation with Abdellah Karroum

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Join artist Wael Shawky in conversation with curator Abdellah Karroum as they delve into the making of Cabaret Crusades and Al Araba Al Madfuna.

About the Encyclopedia

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

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