Souhel Zoubian: The Poetics of Stone and Human Presence
Souhel Zoubian (b. 1965) is a renowned Syrian sculptor and painter whose work is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Born in the village of Dhibin in the As-Suwayda governorate, Zoubian’s artistic journey began with an academic foundation at the Adham Ismail Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in both sculpture and oil painting.
Zoubian is widely regarded as an artist "born from the womb of Expressionism." His sculptural works are not mere physical forms; they are emotional landscapes that dialogue with internal concerns of sorrow, longing, and the "tremor of life." Whether working in stone, clay, or mixed media, his pieces often explore the delicate balance between external strength and internal vulnerability. He is particularly known for his evocative depictions of the human figure, such as his celebrated series "Maqama on a Woman’s Body," which was exhibited to critical acclaim in Beirut.
A master of the "creative instinct," Zoubian often works within the productive "chaos" of his studio—a traditional house in Salkhad—where he seeks to break the constraints of traditional lines and rules. His art frequently bridges the gap between the ancient and the modern, incorporating cuneiform motifs and Mesopotamian symbols into contemporary aesthetics.
With a career spanning several decades, Zoubian has exhibited his work in major cultural hubs including Damascus, Beirut, and Paris. Beyond his own practice, he is a dedicated mentor, training new generations of artists in his private studio, always emphasizing the importance of seeing the world with a "special lens" of truth and freedom.