Sara Shamma

Air

2016

Unique artwork by Sara Shamma. Sara Shamma is a renowned painter whose works can be found in both public and private collections around the globe. Shamma was born in Damascus, Syria (1975) to a Syrian father and Lebanese mother. She graduated from the Painting Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Damascus in 1998. She moved to London in 2016 under the auspices of an Exceptional Talent Visa where she currently lives and works. Shamma’s practice focuses on death and humanity expressed mainly through self-portraits and children painted in a life-like visceral way. Her works can be divided into series that reflect often prolonged periods of research, sometimes extending over years. Shamma believes that death gives meaning to life, and rather than steering away from a subject that is increasingly taboo in contemporary culture, she considers the impact of grief and deep internal emotions. The Syrian conflict has a distinct impact on the way that Shamma portrays her subjects. Working mainly from life and photographs, the artist uses oils to create a hyper realistic scene, using transparency lines and motion to portray a distant and deep void.  Shamma has previously taught at the Adham Ismail Fine Arts Institute in Damascus, and alongside her practice has always had a strong dedication to sharing her knowledge with the next generation of artists. She was a member of the jury for The Annual Exhibition for Syrian Artists held by the Ministry Of Culture, in Damascus, 2006. Shamma believes in helping others and has been supporting the United Nations World Food Programme since 2010, during which time she produced Fighting Hunger., sold by Christie’s Dubai in 2012 with all proceeds going to the WFP.  Shamma has participated in a number of solo and group exhibitions including: “London”, Art Sawa Gallery (Dubai, 2017); World Civil War Portraits, The Old Truman Brewery (London, 2015); Diaspora, Art Sawa Gallery (Dubai, 2014); Q, Royal College of Art (London, 2013); Birth, Art House (Damascus, 2011); Love, 360 MALL (Kuwait, 2009); The Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition, The Mall Galleries (London, 2013); Nord Art 2012 organized by KiC – Kunst in der Carlshütte (Büdelsdorf, 2012); UAE Through Arabian Eyes, (Dubai, 2008); Syrian Artists, Souq Wakef Art Center (Doha, 2008); Panorama of Syrian Arts, Catzen Arts Centre at The American University (Washington D.C, 2007); (shortlisted) International Painting Prize of the Castellon County Council, (Castellon 2005), Castellon and the Municipal Arts Centre of Alcorcon, (Madrid, 2005-2006); Women and Arts, International Vision...

Early Life and Education: Ghazi Baker, a proponent of Neo-expressionism, was born in 1967 in the vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon. Raised amidst the rich cultural tapestry of Lebanon, Baker's early years were influenced by the eclectic blend of history, art, and tumultuous social dynamics of the region. In 1991, Baker graduated with distinction from the esteemed American University in Beirut, earning a degree in architecture (B. Arch). This academic pursuit not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a profound appreciation for spatial dynamics, form, and structure—a foundation that would later shape his distinctive artistic style. Artistic Journey: Despite his architectural training, Baker felt an irresistible pull towards the realm of visual arts. Fueled by an innate passion for creativity and expression, he embarked on a transformative journey into the world of painting. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, Baker immersed himself in the vibrant palette of pop art and Neo-expressionism— movements characterized by i bold colors, emotive brushwork, and introspective themes.   Neo-expressionist Evolution: Baker's artistic evolution unfolded against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. His works reflect a profound engagement with the human condition, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the universal quest for meaning. Through his dynamic compositions and visceral imagery, Baker invites viewers to delve beneath the surface.   International Recognition: Over the years, Baker's distinctive style has garnered widespread acclaim, earning him recognition on the international stage. His works have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, captivating audiences with their raw energy and emotional resonance. From New York to Paris...

Anita Kapraljevic No TItle 2010 Oil on canvas 150 x 119 cm signed, titled and dated on verso Anita Kapraljevic is born in Mostar and lives in Berlin. She studied in Nürtingen Univer...

This painting reflects the ego and how, at our worst, we feel like the center of everything, dismissing the world around us as insignificant, like meaningless, flying shapes. It expl...