Akil Mostafa Ahmad

Akil Mostafa Ahmad (b. 1988) is an award-winning Syrian artist who graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Aleppo. He currently spends time in both the UAE and Beirut, Lebanon. 

Ahmad developed a love for Arabic calligraphy at a young age and, over time, immersed himself in honing this skill, with a unique focus on the lettering in relation to Arabic and Islamic culture. 

Alongside calligraphy and ornamentation, Ahmad takes inspiration in his work from musical ‘Maqams’, the system of melodic notes that features in traditional Arabic music, transcribing them from audio to visual patterns. Explaining his way of working, he said: “When I hear a voice inside of me, I try to hold all these moments of ecstasy and invert them into a letter, a word, an optical language.” 

Ahmad also draws on poetry in his art, including the works of greats such as Omar Khayyam, working in mixed media on canvas and metal to create pieces that combine contemporary artistic expression with abstract simplifications of traditional Arabic lettering. Brought to life in a glorious rich palette spanning vibrant reds, ethereal blues and regal gold and silver, these compositions explore deep-rooted themes, ranging from loss and love to endurance and hardship.

Ahmad’s work has featured in several high-profile solo exhibitions, including, most recently: ‘Khatt’, The Lobby, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi (2024); ‘Maknun in Many Letters’, Dar Al Funoon Gallery, Kuwait (2021); an exhibition at the Arabic Library, Berlin, Germany (2019); ‘Forty Maqamat of Love’, Dar Al Funoon Gallery (2018); ‘In the Presence of the Letter’, Dar El-Nimer for Arts and Culture, Beirut (2017); ‘Maqamat’, Souk Aldahab Gallery, Beirut (2016); and  ‘From the Heart we reach the Sky’, City Theatre, Nuha al-Radi Hall, Beirut (2015).


Ahmad has also participated in several collective exhibitions worldwide, including: ‘Iuod’, Galeries Lafayette, Dubai (2021); Beirut Art Fair, Beirut (2018); Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, Sharjah (2018); Beirut Art Fair (2017); Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial (2016); Art on 56th Gallery, Beirut (2015); Art Fair Bahrain, Bahrain (2015); Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial (2014); Contemporary Beirut Art Fair, Artheum Gallery, Beirut (2014); Annual Exhibition, Damascus, Syria (2010, 2009 and 2008).


Ahmad’s work features in several high-profile private collections worldwide, including those found in Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, the US, Austria, Germany, Great Britain and Ireland. It can also be found in public institutions, including the collection at the Museum of Islamic Art, Malaysia. In addition, key pieces of Ahmad’s work have been sold at global auction houses, including Christie’s and Sotheby’s. 

Ahmad is the recipient of several awards, including First Prize in the 15th round of the ‘Global Burda’, Abu Dhabi (2018).