Aya Bahij
Shehadeh (b. 1985) is a distinguished
Syrian visual artist and cultural leader whose work and career embody a deep
commitment to the arts in Damascus and beyond. Born in Moldova and based in Syria, Shehadeh is a graduate of
the Faculty of Fine Arts at Damascus University. Her extensive academic background also includes specialized
training at the Adham Ismail Institute for Fine Arts, the Russian
Cultural Center, and the Walid Izzat Institute for Applied Arts.
As a graphic artist and painter,
Shehadeh is widely recognized for her evocative landscapes. Her style
is characterized by a masterful use of light and color to capture the
atmospheric essence of her surroundings, often blending an impressionist
sensitivity with abstract modernism. Her work
serves as a visual record of place and memory, reflecting her unique
perspective on the Syrian environment.
Beyond her studio practice, Shehadeh is a vital figure in the
Damascus art scene. She currently serves as the Director
of the Syrian-Russian Contemporary Art Gallery and the Head of Cultural
Relations at the Russian House in Damascus. In
these roles, she works to foster international artistic dialogue and support
the growth of the local creative community.
