Antoine Deeb

Antoine Deeb (b.1998) is a Syrian artist who grew up in Sharjah, UAE, where he is based today. He studied at Latakia University and graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in 2020. From an early age, Deeb developed a deep curiosity for art, exploring various disciplines such as painting, collage, and music.

Deeb sees a strong connection between the visual and performing arts, with his passion for music—he plays the guitar—informing his artistic practice. His work reflects a rhythmic and introspective approach, mirroring the personal and emotional depth found in his musical interests.

Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Deeb’s compositions are deeply personal, capturing the routines, rituals, and objects that shape his daily life. His paintings often depict intimate moments, such as relaxing in his room or drinking coffee, favoring specific, familiar subjects over broad themes or external inspirations.

A hallmark of Deeb’s artistic practice is his tendency to revisit the same subject obsessively, sketching and painting objects like his bed or his own face repeatedly for days. This repetitive process allows him to explore whether a piece can evoke new or evolving emotions over time. His muted color palettes and delicate brushwork imbue his work with a sense of fragility and melancholy.

Deeb has expressed his belief in finding beauty in the everyday, stating, “Even as a child, I was always keen to find the beauty in the humdrum and every day, and this inner need remains key to my art today. I believe in looking for the beauty inside and relaying that.” His work is deeply personal, shaped by his introverted nature and his desire to reflect his own emotions rather than external narratives.

Deeb cites the Impressionist masters and London-based Iraqi painter and sculptor Dia Azzawi as key influences. Like many artists from the region, his work explores themes of identity, reflecting his efforts to reconcile his Syrian heritage with his life in Sharjah. His introspective nature often leads him to work in solitude at his family’s spray-paint factory, where he feels protected by the familiarity of his surroundings.

Despite his curiosity and work ethic, Deeb prefers to explore artistic ideas from within his own space rather than seeking inspiration externally. “I definitely have a keen work ethic and am always curious, but while I like to explore and seek out new things, I never feel the need to look further than inside my studio,” he explains. “I think this stems from my desire to make art as natural and personal as possible.”

Deeb’s artworks are available on Artscoops. View his portfolio at: Artscoops – Antoine Deeb.