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.