The Sculptural Journey of Mustafa Ali

Mustafa Ali, a Syrian visual artist, has built his career as a sculptor deeply connected to his heritage. Born in Latakia in 1956, his artistic journey began with inspiration from the ancient echoes of Ugarit (modern-day Ras Shamrah) and its Phoenician culture, which he embraced as part of his identity. Later, he drew influence from the Etruscans and their spiritual approach to sculpture, leaving a lasting impact on his work.

Central to Mustafa's art is his reflection on humanity and existence. His sculptures explore themes of movement and stillness, permanence and impermanence. Influenced by the Thamud people's view of death as a step toward immortality, his work carries profound symbolism.

Mustafa works with a variety of materials, including clay, bronze, wood, and iron, each chosen to suit his creative vision. Constantly experimenting with new techniques, he sees innovation as essential to his artistic growth.

After graduating from the sculpture department at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Mustafa further refined his skills at the Academy of Fine Arts in Italy. His sculptures are displayed in museums across Syria and the Arab world, and he has held numerous solo exhibitions locally and internationally.

Mustafa’s work has earned significant recognition. Awards such as the bronze at the Sharjah Biennial and gold at the Latakia Biennial celebrate his skill. His monumental sculpture for the Arab World Institute in Paris, spanning 36 square meters, earned him the institute's prestigious award. In 2007, he was named one of the top 100 Arab personalities by Arabian Business magazine, cementing his legacy in the art world.

EXHIBITIONS (selection)

Solo Exhibitions

2024 “Mustafa Ali - Retrospective”, Mission art Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon.

2015 "L'Echo du Chaos" associated with UMAM, Gallery Mark Hachem, Beirut, Lebanon.

2011 Ayyam Gallery, Damascus, Syria.

2003 Kawaf Gallery, Aleppo, Syria.

Al Qabbani Theatre, Damascus, Syria.

2000 Fayrouz Gallery, Manama, Bahrain.

1999 Shoura Gallery, Damascus, Syria.

1998 Alice Mogabgab Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon.

1996 Baladna Art Gallery, Amman, Jordan.

1995 Alice Mogabgab Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon.

1993 Baladna Art Gallery, Amman, Jordan.

1988 Ashtar Gallery, Damascus, Syria.

Group Exhibitions

2013 Exhibition with Farouk Guendakja, Jeddah, KSA.

2011 Exhibition with Nazir Ismail, Doha, Qatar.

2009 The Syrian National Museum, Damascus, Syria.

2007 Graz, Vienna, Austria.

2007 Europe Art Exhibition, Geneva, Switzerland.

2005 Dual exhibition with Abdul Latif Al Smoud, Majlis Gallery, Dubai, UAE.

2004 Arab World Festival, Montreal, Canada.

2004 Syrian Cultural Week, London, UK.

2002 Art SUD Exhibition, Paris, France.

1998 Exhibition with Fateh Al Moudarres and Drouyer at Ashtar Gallery, Damascus, Syria.

1997 Dual exhibition with Moroccan artist Abdul Latif Al Smoudi, Casablanca, Morocco.

1996 Majlis Gallery, Dubaï, UAE.

1992 La Sponda Gallery, Rome, Italy.

Art Fairs

2010 Dialogue between Generations Sculpture Symposium, Damascus, Syria.

2009 Beijing Biennale, Beijing, China.

2006 International Sculpture Symposium, Amman, Jordan.

2005 Imagine the Book Biennale, Alexandria, Egypt.

2001 International Sculpture Symposium, Valencia, Spain.

1998 Sharjah Biennale, UAE.

1996 Cairo Biennale, Egypt.

1994 Alexandria Biennale, Egypt.

1994 The First International Sculpture Symposium in Rashana, Lebanon.

1993 International Sculpture Symposium in the Open Air, Berlin, Germany.

The Art of Christoff Baron

Born in June 1972 in Blanc-Mesnil, France, Christoff Baron now works from the charming city of Strasbourg.

Christoff’s unique canvas consists of discarded scaffolding boards—pieces of wood marked by their time on construction sites. He carefully transforms these weathered materials, preserving their raw textures and imprints, into striking works of art.

His creative influences span cinema and literature, drawing from figures like Shakespeare, Sidney Lumet, Dostoevsky, and Buzzati. Through his exhibitions, Christoff connects these diverse disciplines, creating unexpected yet meaningful links.

At the core of his art is a balance between contrasting elements: the industrial and the artistic, the rough and the refined, the accidental and the intentional. Each piece reflects his ability to find beauty in the ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary.

In addition to his artwork, Christoff is a talented comic strip creator, blending illustration and storytelling in a way that captivates and inspires.

Bente Christensen-Ernst: Art Rooted in Truth and Symbolism

Born in Denmark in 1941, Bente Christensen-Ernst began her artistic journey as a self-taught painter, driven by passion and creativity.

As a member of the Danish Society of Artists and the Association of Visual Artists, her work reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. Her artistic path led her to Turkey, where the landscapes and culture became a significant source of inspiration. Now, she splits her time between Turkey and Denmark, drawing from the contrasts and connections between the two places.

Bente’s hyper-realistic style is bold and striking. Her large, vibrant paintings confront viewers with intense emotions and dramatic narratives, inviting reflection on the stories and themes embedded in her work.

Her art explores the balance between truth and symbolism, blending personal experiences with universal themes of human struggle and resilience. Each piece reflects the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

Bente's work has reached audiences worldwide, with exhibitions at major art fairs and biennales in cities like New York and across Europe. Her compelling imagery and thought-provoking themes continue to captivate viewers everywhere.

SOLO SHOWS (Selection)

2025 Urbanist Art Gallery, Dubai, UAE

2023 Urbanist Art Gallery, Dubai, UAE

2023 Mission Art, Beirut, Lebanon

2021 Galeri Siyah Beyaz, Ankara, Turkey

2019 Gallery Dar al-Anda. Amman, Jordan

2015 Gallery Oxholm, Copenhagen, Denmark

2014 Gallery Artifact, East Village, Manhattan, New York, U.S.

2012 Galerie Wolfsen, Aalborg, Denmark

2011 Art House, Damascus, Syria

2010 Görüntü Sanat Galerisi, Adana, Turkey

2009 Galerie Wolfsen, Aalborg, Denmark

2007 C.A.M. - Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey

2005 C.A.M. - Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey

2004 C.A.M. - Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey

2003 Christian Dam Galleries, Copenhagen, Denmark

2002 Millî Reasürans Sanat Galerisi, Istanbul, Turkey

2001 C.A.M Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey

2000 C.A.M. Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey

1999 Christian Dam Galleries, Copenhagen, Denmark

1998 Galerie Wolfsen, Aalborg, Denmark

1997 Asmalımescit Sanat Galerisi, Istanbul, Turkey

1996 Gallerihuset, Copenhagen, Denmark

1995 Galleri C, Aarhus, Denmark

1994 Galleri Wolfsen, Aalborg, Denmark

1992 Gallerihuset, Copenhagen, Denmark

1990 Galleri Sommersko, Copenhagen, Denmark

1985 Galeri Siyah Beyaz, Ankara, Turkey

1984 Studyo Fabrika, Ankara, Turkey

MUSEUMS

• The National Gallery on Frederiksborg, Denmark (with a portrait of the Danish poet Henrik Nordbrandt)

Embarking on the Artistic Voyage of Hala Dabaji

Born in 1981 amidst the turmoil of Beirut, Hala Dabaji's childhood unfolded against the backdrop of the Lebanese Civil War. Raised in the vibrant tapestry of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon, she found solace and inspiration amidst the chaos of her surroundings.

Today, Hala resides in her beloved Beirut, a city that pulses with the heartbeat of her artistic soul. Armed with a master's degree in fine arts from the esteemed ALBA (Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts), she channels her experiences and emotions into a diverse array of artistic expressions.

Hala's creative ethos embraces spontaneity, eschewing the constraints of conventional mediums and materials. With a playful spirit and boundless imagination, she traverses the realms of painting, sculpture, and beyond, allowing her artistry to unfurl organically with each stroke and gesture.

In a world marked by complexity and uncertainty, Hala finds beauty in the simplicity of modest materials. Her creations transcend the boundaries of traditional mediums, embodying a sense of freedom and fluidity that resonates with the essence of her being.

Through her art, Hala invites viewers to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, where spontaneity reigns supreme and every creation is a testament to the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Adel Dauood: Exploring Humanity Through Color and Form

Born in 1980, Adel Dauood is a prominent figure in Syrian art, blending abstraction and realism, expressionism and surrealism, with a vibrant use of color.

In his small-format paper works, fantastical creatures come alive—beings with long, tangled legs, sharp teeth, and multiple eyes and udders. These textured creations are both unsettling and intriguing.

But paper alone cannot contain Dauood’s imagination. "They need more space and color," he says, and so his creatures expand onto large canvases filled with bold oil and acrylic paints.

Dauood’s art goes beyond individual portraits, exploring the essence of human nature and shared experiences. His process is immersive, each brushstroke a connection to emotions, memories, and dreams.

His works piece together fragments of imagery: a foot, a face, limbs emerging from a swirl of lines and colors. Everyday objects—slippers, taps, bowls—appear among the abstract forms, grounding his pieces somewhere between the real and the imagined.

Through his art, Dauood creates spaces where worlds merge, and the complexities of human existence are brought to life in vivid colors and evocative shapes.

SOLO SHOWS (Selection)

2025 “Immigrant” - Mission Art, Beirut (Lebanon)

2024 “Humanity” - Gallery V58, Aarhus (Denmark}

2024 Gallery Benjamin Eck - Munich (Germany)

2024 Greith Haus Kultur, Graz (Austria}

2022 “The Way of Life”, Gallery V58, Aarhus (Denmark)

2021 “Blind Wind”, DOK Nie'derosterreich, Polte (Austria)

2021 “Unspoken Memories”, Gallery Chase Contemporary, New York (USA)

2021 “"Chaos”, Gallery Artecont, Vienna (Austria)

2020 “The Flood” - Greith Haus Kultur, Graz (Austria}

2019 “Pushing Paper Contemporary Drawing from 1970 to Now ” - British Museum - London (UK)

2019 Gallery V58, Arthaus (Denmark)

2019 Gallery Artemons Contemporary - Linz (Austria)

2018 “The Last Supper” – Gallery Artemons Contemporary – Vienna (Austria)

2018 Kalimat Gallery – Istanbul (Turkey)

2017  Hinterland Gallery – Vienna (Austria)

2015 Hinterland Gallery – Vienna (Austria)

2014 “Future Painting” - Essi Museum - Vienna (Austria)

2012 Kaire Visions -Amman (Jordan)

2012 Art House- Damascus

COLLECTIVE SHOWS (Selection)

2020 Langdesgalerie Museum (Spuren und Masken der Flucht) - Krems - Austria

2020 Group Exhibition at George Bergès Gallery - New York - USA

2019 British Museum (Publishing Paper Contemporary Drawing from 1970 to Now) London - UK

2019 Summer Group Show - George Bergès Gallery - New York

2019 Art Bodensee by Galerie Galerie. Graz, Hinterland Gallery - Vienna

2019 Art Herning  – by Gallery V58 - Denmark.

MUSEUMS ACQUISITIONS

2021 “Two Seconds Before Death” - Vienna Museum Vienna (Austria)

2021 Strabag Kunstforum - Vienna (Austria)

2020 Museum Universalmuseum Joanneum - Graz (Austria)

2015 The British Museum

2015 Barjeel Art Foundation - Sharjah Art Museum - Sharjah (UAE)

Lee Frederix: Exploring the Urban Mindscape

Originally from the industrial landscapes of America, Lee Frederix brings his creative vision to the dynamic city of Beirut. As an artist and academic, he bridges the worlds of architecture, urbanism, and fine arts, blending these disciplines in his experimental practice.

Frederix's diverse background shapes his work, which often takes the form of assemblage, sculpture, and installation. His pieces create immersive experiences, encouraging viewers to engage with materials and forms in new ways.

Materials play a central role in his art, chosen for their unique qualities and the possibilities they offer for transformation. By combining elements in unexpected ways, Frederix creates works that spark curiosity and invite deeper exploration.

His recent projects focus on alternative mapping, inspired by psychogeographic studies of Beirut. Frederix uncovers the city’s hidden stories and layers of meaning, reflecting on how these narratives shape the urban experience.

Through his art and research, Lee Frederix challenges us to rethink our relationship with space and place, offering a fresh perspective on the connections that define our lives.

EXHIBITIONS (Selection)

2022 State of Things, Gezairi Gallery, LAU, Beirut.

2022 Glimpses of Talent, Urbanist Art, Dubai.

2022 Art to Learn, Art to Live, (catalogued), LAUHQ, New York.

2021 Rethinking our Landscapes of Uncertainty, solo show, Mission Art, Beirut.

2019 October 17, Galerie Janine Rubeiz, Beirut.

2018 20in’18, [catalogued], Sheikh Zayed Gallery, Lebanese American University, Beirut.

2016 7 rooms 7 artists, innov’Action for ArtHouse, Beirut.

2006 XXVII Salon d’Automne, [catalogued], Musée Sursock, Beirut.

2004 XXV Salon d’Automne, [catalogued], Musée Sursock, Beirut.

2003 XXIV Salon d’Automne, [catalogued], Musée Sursock, Beirut.

2002 frederix@monot, [solo show], Expos SDF, Beirut.

Brushstrokes of Intimacy

Born into a family of art enthusiasts and musicians in 1996 Beirut, Serene Ghandour's journey as an artist began as a tender spark in her childhood. From an early age, she felt a profound connection to the world of drawing, a passion that would shape her artistic path in the years to come.

In 2007, Serene's talent garnered recognition on an international stage when she participated in the International Child Art Foundation Arts Olympiad, emerging as a co-winner from Lebanon. This early validation only fueled her appetite for artistic expression.

Her formal education at the Lebanese American University further honed her skills, culminating in the prestigious fine arts certificate of excellence in 2018 and a graduation with distinction in 2019. Alongside her academic achievements, Serene's artistic journey has been punctuated by numerous exhibitions, including a notable appearance at the esteemed 33rd Salon D’Automne at the Sursock Museum.

For Serene, painting transcends mere creative expression; it is a deeply intimate dialogue between the artist and the medium. Each brushstroke becomes a moment of self-reflection, self-doubt, self-hatred, self-love, and problem-solving, weaving a tapestry of emotions and experiences onto the canvas.

In the quiet sanctuary of her studio, Serene finds solace and inspiration, allowing her innermost thoughts and feelings to flow freely through her art. Through her work, she invites viewers into this sacred space, offering glimpses into the intricate nuances of her inner world.

Unleashing the Soul on Canvas

Born in 1964 in Hassaka, Syria, Norrem Hamdi's artistic journey has been one of liberation and expression. After initially pursuing Law School, he boldly chose to follow his true passion for art.

Since settling in Berlin, Germany, in 2015, Norrem has carved out a niche for himself in the international art scene. His large-sized paintings, crafted with Indian pigments and acrylic on canvas, stand as bold testaments to his artistic prowess.

Unconventional in his approach, Norrem often eschews traditional tools in favor of using his hands and feet, declaring, "I like to fight in the arena" when explaining his technique. This fearless attitude infuses his work with a raw energy and dynamism.

Norrem's art has been showcased in prestigious venues worldwide, including solo exhibitions at the National Museum Damascus, Goethe Institute Damascus, Museum of Modern Art Lattakia, and Khan Assad Basha Damascus. He has also participated in group exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the World Bank in Washington, the Contemporary Art Platform in Kuwait, and the Kaleemat Sanat Galeri in Istanbul. Notably, he has been featured twice in the prestigious Venice Biennale.

A member of the Association of Professional Artists in Berlin (BBK) and the "Künstlerhof Frohnau," Norrem Hamdi continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark on the global art landscape.

NThe Architectural Canvases of an Artisan

Born in 1985, this Syrian artist's journey is a testament to the fusion of technical precision and creative vision. Trained in the intricate art of architectural drawing at the Institute of Engineering in 2003, he embarked on a transformative academic odyssey at the University of Kalamoon's Faculty of Architecture.

From 2004 to 2010, he delved deep into the realms of architectural theory and practice, honing his skills and nurturing his innate talent. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, he emerged as a versatile artist, seamlessly blending the principles of design with the boundless realms of artistic expression.

Today, his canvases serve as architectural masterpieces, each stroke a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for his craft. Through his art, he invites viewers to embark on a journey of exploration, where the lines between reality and imagination blur, and the beauty of form and function converge in harmony.

COLLECTIVE EXHIBITIONS

2017 Greetings to the spirit of artists: Marwan Kassab Bashi, Nazir Nabea - The National Center for Visual Arts Damascus, Syria

2017 The Artists’ Workshop - The National Center for Visual Arts - Damascus - Syria 

2017 Expo 2016 - The National Center for Visual Arts- Damascus - Syria 

2016 Mustafa Ali Gallery - Damascus - Syria 

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2023 White Desires - Mission Art - Beirut - Lebanon

2009 The Arab Culture Center in Damascus - Syria

2006 Avec Le Temps – Installation - Position A member in team - Name of designer Arch. Claude Yacoub

2000-2011 Training ( painting and sculpture ) training of many local artists and  Art Institutes for 10 years 

Capturing Life's Essence Through Art and Engineering

Born in the vibrant heart of Beirut in 1993, Tony Mhanna embodies the spirit of exploration and creativity. Graduating as a mechanical engineer from USEK in 2017, Tony's multifaceted talents extend beyond the realm of engineering into the realms of photography and visual art.

With a keen eye for design, shapes, paintings, history, and architecture, Tony's artistic journey began in 2014 when he first delved into photography. Through his lens, he captures the complexities of daily life and societal nuances, infusing each image with his unique perspective and contemporary flair.

Tony's artwork transcends conventional boundaries, exploring themes of evolution, rebirth, and change. His experimentation with space, natural colors, and atmosphere lends his photographs a sense of harmony, energy, and life, radiating with positivity and pleasantness.

In 2019, Tony unveiled "WRAITH" at the Beirut Art Week, a groundbreaking work that seamlessly integrates art and engineering. This wind sculpture, meticulously engineered by Tony, captivated audiences with its fusion of technology and artistry, winning accolades at the BEIRUT ART FAIR 2020 and garnering attention in prestigious exhibitions across Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

Tony's artistic journey reached new heights with his first solo exhibition at Mission Art in 2023, where "The Wraith" stood as the crowning jewel. As he continues to push the boundaries of creativity, Tony Mhanna remains a beacon of innovation and inspiration in Beirut, Lebanon.

Following his successful solo show at Mission Art in 2023, Gallery Magazine named Mhanna the Best Solo Exhibition of the Year.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2023 “Wraith” - MISSION ART - Beirut -Lebanon

2023 The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik - Archaeological Museum

COLLECTIVE EXHIBITIONS (SELECTION)

2024 REBIRTH Gallery - Beirut

2022 ARTHAUS BEIRUT, Beirut -Lebanon

2021 ARTSCENE GALLERY, Beirut -Lebanon

2021 MONO GALLERY, Riyadh - Saudi Arabia

2020 BEIRUT ART FAIR

2020 DACHAQ GALLERY, Beirut -Lebanon

A Chronicle of Resilience in Art

Elie Rizkallah, born in 1969 in Deir el Qamar, Lebanon, grew up during the Lebanese Civil War. Amid the chaos, he found refuge in painting, turning the stark reality of abandoned buildings into works of art.

In 1992, Elie graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts at the Lebanese University, launching a career that blends personal expression with Lebanon’s history. His paintings reflect the scars of war while celebrating the everyday resilience of his homeland.

Elie’s unique style, inspired by damaged yet enduring architecture, also drew attention from interior design firms. His freehand perspectives were commissioned for palaces across the Arab world, bringing architectural visions to life.

Since starting his artistic career, Elie has participated in solo and group exhibitions in Lebanon and France. His work captures not only Lebanon’s landscapes but also the spirit of its people—resilient, hopeful, and determined to rebuild.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS (SELECTION)

1995 – "Memories", Atelier Decoplan, Hamra, Beirut (Lebanon)

2012 – "Utopic city", Rochane Gallery, Saifi, Beirut (Lebanon)

2019 – "Dusk to dawn", Rochane Gallery, Saif, Beirut (Lebanon)

2020 – "Beirut in perspective", Agence 360, Paris (France)

2021 – "Beirut in perspective" (2nd version), Aguado Salons, City Hall of the 9th arrondissement, Paris (France)

2022 – "Urbanscape", Beirut Contemporary Gallery, Lisbon (Portugal)

2022 – "Transformations", Mission Art Gallery, Beirut (Lebanon)

2024 - “Ville, réalité et mythe”, dual show with Yaroslav Gorbanevsky, Galerie du Montparnasse, Paris (France)

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

1992 – Beit Eddine Palace, Chouf (Lebanon)

1993 – Cultural French Institute of Deir el Kamar (Lebanon)

2001 – "Cedar of Lebanon", Saumur (France)

2019 – Beirut Art Fair, Beirut (Lebanon)

2020 – "Collective", 392 Rmeil Gallery, Beirut (Lebanon)

2020 - Art Scene Gallery, Beirut (Lebanon)

2021 – Mir Amin Palace, Beit Eddine (Lebanon)

2022 – "A tribute to modernity" Rebirth Beirut Space, Beirut (Lebanon)

2024 - “Tout ce qui est vivant tend à disparaitre”, Galerie du Montparnasse, Paris (France)

2025 - “Qnad la nuit se fait aube”, Galerie du Montparnasse, Paris (France)

Lutfi Romein was born in Kraia, Syria, on September 22, 1954. After his studies, he opened his own studio in Damascus, making his sculptures in stone, wood and making many exhibitions. In 1981, he was awarded a scholarship with the Italian consul, he went to study sculpture in Carrara at the Academy of Fine Arts Arts.

Recognized as one of the best sculptors in Syria and in Middle East, he enjoys also in Italy of significant recognition from the artistic world.

Based in France for 20 years, his work is astonishingly diverse both in terms of materials used, mastered techniques and artistic styles.

Solo Exhibitions

1975 - 1979: Five solo exhibitions, Syria.

1980: Matuzia Gallery - Sanremo, Italy

  U.N.E.S.C.O of Paris, France

1981: Il Rondo Gallery – Imperia, Italy

1982: Massa Gallery, Italy

1983: Syrian Cultural of Paris, France

1985: Il Rondo Gallery - Imperia, Italy

1986 Al Said Gallery - Damascus, Syria:

1997: Eishtar Gallery – Damascus, Syria.

1998: Shoura Gallery - Damascus, Syria

1999: Marble Museum - Carrara, Italy

2000: Ishtar Gallery - Damascus, Syria

2001: Shoura Gallery – Damascus, Syria

2002: Victoire Gallery - Châtelet, France

2003: Grande Arche de la Defense, France

2004: Shoura Gallery - Damascus, Syria

2007: Galerie du Portail Levens - Nice, France

2009: Art House Gallery - Damascus, Syria

2010: Chapel of the Observance – Draguignan, France

2018: Smart - Aix en Provence, France

     Atassi Foundation – Dubai, UAE

2019 Gallery Made in... – Venice, Italy

2024: Mission Art Gallery – Beirut, Lebanon

"Silent Narratives: The Profound Works of Rima Salamoun"

Renowned artist Rima Salamoun, hailing from Damascus, Syria, and born in 1963, emerged from the prestigious halls of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Damascus University in 1987. Embracing membership within the esteemed Syrian Syndicate of Fine Arts, Salamoun's artistic journey has traversed multiple continents, gracing collective exhibitions across the Arab world and Europe.

Within her evocative oeuvre, Salamoun masterfully employs acrylic and mixed media to render deliberately austere, yet profoundly poignant compositions. Her canvases serve as poignant arenas where sorrow-laden subjects find solace amidst the subdued ambiance of their surroundings. Often placing female protagonists at the forefront, Salamoun taps into a rich vein of Syrian artistic tradition, one that has historically utilized the feminine form as a potent symbol reflecting the collective human experience.

Notably, Salamoun's deliberate choice to shroud her subjects in anonymity serves to amplify the universality of her narratives, inviting viewers to engage with the profound intricacies of global concerns. Through her deft manipulation of medium and evident draughtsmanship prowess, Salamoun beckons audiences into a realm where the weight of human tribulations is palpable, yet ultimately transcendent.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS (Selection)

2023 “Them” - Mark Hachem Gallery - Beirut (Lebanon)

2021 Exhibition - Mission Art - Beirut (Lebanon)

2018 “Talashi” - George Kamel Art Gallery - Damascus (Syria)

2016 “Faces” - Tajaliyat Art Gallery - Beirut (Lebanon)

2015 “Woman Through the Eyes” - Tajaliyat Gallery - Beirut (Lebanon)

2011 Art House Gallery - Damascus (Syria)

2009 Art House Gallery - Damascus (Syria)

2006 Espace Europa Gallery - Paris (France)

COLLECTIVE EXHIBITIONS (Selection)

2021 “I am Syrian” - Expo 2020 Dubai (UAE)

2019 Cairo Biennale - Cairo (Egypt)

2011 Participated in The Venice Biennale - Venice (Italy)

2008 “Paris-Damascus, Collective Vision” - Institut du Monde Arabe - Paris (France)

2008 “Syrian Art” - Al-Dar Art - Hanover (Germany)

2007 “3 Figures” - Espace Europa Gallery - Paris (France)

2006 “Between Damascus and Paris” - Assayyed Art Gallery & the Syrian Cultural Center in Paris, parallel with Aleppo, the Capital of the Islamic Culture.

2005 The Syrian Cultural Center - Paris (France)

2004 “Female Visions” - Exhibition at Assaad Pasha Caravanserai - Damascus (Syria)

2003 As-Sayyed Art Gallery - Damascus (Syria)

2003 Biennale of al-Mahabeh Festival - Lattakia (Syria)

2002 "Arabs and the World" - Damascus Int'l Fair - Damascus (Syria)

2000 Albal Art Gallery - Damascus (Syria)

1996 Baladna Art Gallery - Amman (Jordan)

Reem Tarraf, born in 1974 in Homs, Syria, emerged as a creative force from the halls of Damascus Fine Arts University, graduating with honors in 1998 with a specialization in graphic design. Continuing her pursuit of artistic excellence, she furthered her education, obtaining a master's degree in 2000. With a rich background in graphic design, coupled with a passion for children's illustration and educational programs, Tarraf's artistic journey has been marked by versatility and depth.

Transitioning into a full-time artist in 2016, Tarraf's dedication to her craft has been unwavering, evident in the mastery she brings to her work. Her artistic prowess has been showcased on an international stage, with her participation in collective exhibitions spanning across Canada, the UAE, and the USA.

Tarraf's oeuvre stands as a testament to her diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to artistic expression, offering viewers a glimpse into her multifaceted artistic vision.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2022 “Moment of Peace” - Mission Art - Beirut - Lebanon

2019 Art House Gallery - Damascus - Syria

2004 SyrianCultural Center - Paris - France

"Unveiling Lebanon: The Artistic Odyssey of Mona Trad Dabaji"

”Mona Trad Dabaji's artistic journey began amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Lebanon's civil war, a pivotal period that coincided with her graduation from the American University of Beirut in 1975. Despite the challenges of her surroundings, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to her craft, establishing herself as a prominent figure in Beirut's artistic landscape.

For over three decades, Dabaji has not only honed her skills as a painter but has also imparted her knowledge to aspiring artists as a dedicated painting instructor since 1993. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, as she continues to shape the artistic discourse of her community.

Dabaji's artistic footprint spans across continents, with exhibitions in Lebanon, France, Jordan, the USA, and the UAE, each showcasing her unwavering dedication to portraying the essence of her homeland. A significant milestone in her career came in 1992 with her seminal exhibition, "Beyrouth, ville fantôme" (Beirut, The Phantom City), capturing the haunting reality of Beirut's shattered city center.

Throughout her prolific career, Dabaji's work has remained deeply rooted in her Lebanese heritage, with a particular focus on its traditions and culture. Through her evocative portrayals of Lebanese women, she deftly captures the multifaceted and complex nature of her homeland's identity.

In a poignant gesture of resilience, Dabaji incorporates salvaged doors and windows from demolition sites into her artworks, infusing them with new life and meaning. This symbolic act serves as a testament to her determination to reclaim and preserve the heritage of a nation ravaged by conflict.

Her 2008 exhibition, "My Land is Not for Sale," further underscores her unwavering allegiance to Lebanon and her resolute stance against the destructive forces that threaten its existence. Through her art, Dabaji continues to advocate for the preservation of Lebanon's cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of its people, ensuring that the echoes of war are not allowed to drown out the voices of resilience and hope.

"Insights into Humanity: The Artistic Journey of Omran Younis

"Omran Younis, a native of Al-Hasakah, Syria, born in 1971, stands as a prominent figure in the contemporary Arab art scene. Residing and creating in Damascus, Syria, Younis embarked on his artistic journey in the late 1990s, following his graduation from the esteemed Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus in 1998. His pursuit of artistic excellence led him to further academic endeavors, culminating in the attainment of a Master's degree in Fine Arts in 2000.

Younis's impact on the art world has been far-reaching, with his works featured in exhibitions across the Middle East and the United States. His artistic prowess has garnered recognition, including the prestigious first prize in the 3rd Annual Youth Competition in Damascus, solidifying his position as a distinguished artist within his field.

Characterized by their expansive scale, Younis's canvases serve as immersive explorations into the intricacies of the human condition. Through meticulous attention to detail, he delves into the depths of his subjects, capturing the nuances of human experience with a profound sense of insight and empathy.

Throughout his career, Younis has demonstrated a remarkable versatility, continuously pushing the boundaries of expressionist painting. Each series of his work is dedicated to a specific theme, showcasing his ongoing experimentation and evolution as an artist.

Emerging within the context of Syrian modernism, Younis has emerged as a torchbearer for his artistic heritage while forging his own distinctive path in the realm of contemporary art. His paintings serve as a potent blend of bold social commentary, keen observation, and technical mastery, reflecting his unwavering commitment to artistic innovation and expression.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS (Selection)

2021 “Cactus Story” - Mission Art Gallery - Beirut - Lebanon

2014 “Human”, Zara Gallery, Amman - Jordan

2010 Ayyam Gallery - Beirut - Lebanon

COLLECTIVE EXHIBITIONS (Selection)

2023 “Works on Paper” Fann a Porter - Dubai - UAE

2022 Syrian Pavillion at the Venice Biennale, Venice - Italy