Sabhan Adam

Born in Al-Hasakah, Syria, Sabhan Adam is a self-taught contemporary artist renowned for his provocative and often grotesque depictions of the human condition. His unique style, described as an independent school of thought, features distorted figures and faces, blending human and animal characteristics. A commitment to emotional honesty lies at the core of his work, often challenging societal notions of beauty and ugliness.

His most famous series, ‘Ka'enaat Al Uzla’ (The Creatures of Solitude), features portraits of misshapen, nightmarish creatures, often dressed in bright attire, set against plain backgrounds. Viewers are invited to confront these grotesque, yet vulnerable creations, with the portrait subjects often making direct eye contact. These figures challenge conventional aesthetics and emotional boundaries, emphasising a psychological depth that explores the darker sides of human experience.

Adam’s works are autobiographical and deeply introspective. These figures, distorted and monstrous, are a reflection of the artist’s own world experience. He states: “The figures I paint have so many things in common with me – they look like me, they have the same head and the same Asian eyes as me. I draw myself with everything that exists inside – the sadness, the misery, the shocking things I have faced, the isolation, and the feeling of not belonging to this world.”

Yet, Adam’s work equally stands as a profound commentary on human vulnerability, questioning the way society perceives difference and emotional truth. His creatures, often unsettling, yet emotionally complex, serve as a powerful reminder of the universal struggles individuals face, offering a mirror to our own insecurities and disconnections.

Beyond aesthetics, Adam’s art encourages a dialogue about the marginalised and the unspoken aspects of life. He once said, “I wish for humans to respect and accept one another despite their differences.” His unique approach has earned him recognition not only in the Arab world but also internationally, with his work remaining a powerful testament to the need for self-awareness and emotional clarity in a world filled with noise and superficiality.

Solo exhibitions include: ‘Sabhan Adam, Recent Works’, Polad-Hardouin Gallery, Paris (2014); ‘The Awakening’, Mark Hachem Gallery, Beirut (2012); and Cavin-Morris Gallery, New York, USA (2008). Other notable exhibitions include: ‘Why do Arabs Have to Speak?’, Mark Hachem Gallery, Paris (2017); ‘Kitsch ou pas Kitsch?’, Institut des Cultures d’Islam, Paris (2015-2016); ‘Vive la Peinture!’, Galerie Polad-Hardouin, Paris (2015); ‘Beauty and the Beast’, Art Talks Gallery, Egypt (2014); ‘Modern Arab Art’, British Museum, London (2012); and the International Venice Biennale, Italy (2011).

His works are held in prominent institutions and collections, including the British Museum, Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Jalanbo Collection, and Barjeel Art Foundation.