Wissam Al Shaabi

Wissam Al Shaabi (b. 1986) is a Syrian visual artist who was born in Damascus. His artistic talent was evident at an early age, when, as a boy, he spent time drawing cartoon characters. Al Shaabi studied first at the Institute Adham Ismael in Damascus and then entered the Academy of Fine Arts in Damascus, gaining a BFA in 2010. He remains based in the city today, where he lives and works in his studio, while also spending time in Beirut.

Al Shaabi’s practice is rooted in his fascination with the human condition, which he explores through paintings that feature hallmark abstract shapes in a palette of textured, vibrant colours. He shines a spotlight on both the best and worst of life in his art, from human cruelty to the wonders of the natural world and the innocence of childhood.

“Abstract shapes and colours are my means of expression. Some of my paintings are rooted in human tragedy, trauma and suffering, but I also try to shift the focus in life and art to some of the positive things about our existence, like nature’s beauty or happy memories, for example,” he told Artscoops in an interview. 

Works such as Al Shaabi’s Calendar series recall the darker side of humanity, with repetition a hallmark of these pieces. Here, recurring motifs in the form of shaped, vertical lines or sometimes birds, bring a powerful dimension to the narrative, reminding us that people risk becoming anonymous numbers in large-scale or long-term tragedies. Al Shaabi explains that he is referencing not only the casualties of war or brutal regimes who are killed, maimed, tortured or incarcerated, but also others who fall victim to natural disasters, such as earthquakes.

In his starkly contrasting scenic compositions, Al Shaabi celebrates the picturesque countryside that edges the city of Damascus, with trees, branching out against expansive skies and dotted with colourful blossoms, brought to life in vibrant acrylics. “It was really enjoyable to discover beauty spots that I didn’t even know existed,” he said, about being in nature. “I think it was also really therapeutic to take time out and reconnect with nature after being unable to do so during the wartime years.”

Other uplifting works, meanwhile, are inspired by boyhood memories of happy times in pre-war Damascus, including outdoor activities like cycling.

Al Shaabi’s artworks can be found in private collections in the Middle East, Europe and USA.

It has also featured in several exhibitions, including: ‘Paintings and Space’ (online, 2024); the Syrian Pavilion, Expo Dubai (2021); ‘Watch, Taste, Listen’, The Contemporary Mediterranean Manifesto, Remomero Gallery, Beirut (2017); ‘Aesthetic Experience’, Sole Insight, Beirut (2016): ‘Syria Off Frame’, Fondazione Cini, Venice (2015); ‘Colorful Sale’, 392rmeil393 Gallery, Beirut (2014); and ‘The Visual scene for the Young Artists’, Kozah Gallery, Damascus (2012).