Nabeel
Alsamman (b. 1957, Damascus, Syria) is a Syrian painter who graduated from the
Academy of Fine Art Interior Design at Damascus University in 1981. His work is
recognized for its focus on human values, particularly the role of women in
society and their triumph over oppression.
Alsamman's
extensive career includes participation in exhibitions inside and out Syria,
including a solo exhibition at the ALM Gallery during the 55th Venice Biennale
in 2013, where he also represented Syria at The Syrian Pavilion.
Beyond
his painting, Alsamman has contributed to art education, conducting special
studies on children's art (1999-2002), teaching art in private schools
(2000-2005), and establishing workshops for children and young students. He has
also undertaken studies and decorations for private and official buildings, and
created wall paintings in Damascus, Amman, and Kuwait.
Nabeel
Alsamman primarily works with acrylic on canvas. His artistic style is
distinctive for its inclusion of geometrical shapes rendered with intense colors,
which are often fused with natural elements, animals, and human figures. He
also incorporates ancient mythological themes into his compositions.
Alsamman
masterfully combines precise geometric forms with fluid, often expressive human
and animal figures. These geometric structures might serve as frameworks,
backgrounds, or integral parts of the subjects themselves, creating a dynamic
interplay between order and organic life.
His use
of "intense colors" is a hallmark, creating vibrant and impactful
artworks. These colors contribute to the emotional weight and thematic clarity
of his paintings, particularly when addressing human values and societal
issues.
His focus
on the role of women and their "victory against oppression" is often
visually communicated through powerful imagery and symbolic narratives. The
integration of ancient mythological themes further enriches his work, providing
a timeless context for contemporary struggles and triumphs.
The
fusion of diverse elements—nature, animals, human figures, geometry, and
mythology—within his canvases creates rich and layered compositions that invite
deeper contemplation.
Overall,
Nabeel Alsamman's art is a compelling blend of structured form and fluid
narrative, employing a vibrant palette and symbolic imagery to convey profound
human values and universal themes.