Yamen
Yousef (b. 1982, Tartous, Syria) is a Syrian sculptor. His artistic journey
began at the age of 10, inspired by his forested mountain environment, where he
explored sculpting with natural materials like stones, mud, clay, and wood,
imaginatively recreating the world around him. He later pursued formal art
education, graduating with both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from the
Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Sculpture, at Damascus University.
Yousef's
work has gained international recognition, notably being included in the
'Reconciliation Through the Arts' program, which exhibited in various cities
across the USA (Washington D.C., New York, Texas, and New Mexico). He has
participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Syria and Lebanon. For
over a decade, he has been represented by the Beirut-based gallery, Art on the
56th. He has also been involved in artistic workshops and symposiums focusing
on sculpture.
Yamen
Yousef's distinctive sculptural style is primarily characterized by his wooden
figures, which often feature broad faces and heavily built bodies. He works
with various sculptural materials including wood, clay, stone, and terracotta.
His
sculptures emphasize expressive postures and anatomy, conveying a range of
emotions and narratives.
Yousef's
figures often possess a poetic and sometimes whimsical charm, imbuing them with
a sense of softness and optimism.
His deep
connection to natural materials, particularly wood, is evident in the tactile
quality and organic forms of his sculptures.
While not
explicitly stated as a theme, the expressive nature and robust forms of his
figures often evoke a contemplation of the human condition and presence.
Overall,
Yamen Yousef's sculptures are a powerful and intimate exploration of form and
emotion, transforming raw materials into figures that resonate with human
experience and a unique artistic vision.