Nidal Khaddour

Nidal Khaddour is a prize-winning Syrian visual artist who was born in Homs and today lives in the UAE, where he teaches Fine Arts, having been awarded a Creative Golden Visa by the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Education). 

Khaddour studied at the College of Fine Arts, Damascus University, obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2009. He also holds a Higher Diploma in Education, with a Humanities Specialisation. 

In his practice, Khaddour melds abstraction and expressionism in works that convey his longing to find order in a world of chaos and despair, and reconcile his conflicting emotions. Orderly, diverse geometric shapes are completed in bold, vivid colours and richly varied patterns that are evocative of cityscapes and the ambience of bustling metropolis hubs. The chaos is indisputable, but the warmth of the palette also hints at hope and relays a positive energy.

Khaddour’s work has been exhibited widely over the years. Recent solo shows include events at: Oberoi Resorts, Ajman (2022); Boca restaurant, DIFC, Dubai (2019); ‘Arts meet Jewelry’, Aliel Jewelry, DIFC, Dubai (2018); ‘Spectrums in Memory’, Fann A Porter Art Gallery, Jumeirah, Dubai (2018); and ‘Shots of Nature and Human’, The French Alliance, Abu Dhabi (2015).

He has also taken part in numerous group shows, including, most recently: Al Murabbaa Art Festival, Ajman (2024); Totem Exhibition, Khawla Art Gallery, Dubai (2024); ‘Colors of the Planet’, Unesco, Paris (2024); Summer Collective Exhibition, Khawla Art Gallery, Dubai (2024); Hong Kong Art Fair [with Asian Art Platform], (2024); ‘Art Without Borders’, A.L Stieglitz St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Design [Third Place in the Composition Category], (2024); Sikka Art and Design with Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, Dubai (2024); Singapore Art Fair [with Asian Art Platform], Singapore (2023); ‘Them’, Sahra Art Gallery, DIFC, Dubai (2023); ‘Narratives’, Etihad Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi (2023); ‘Art Without Borders’, A.L Stieglitz St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Design, [First Place in the Composition Category], (2023); ‘Spirit of Time’, Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah (2023); Unesco Art Camp, Ajman University, Ajman (2022); Sikka Art and Design at Biennale.io, Metaverse Exhibition, Dubai (2022); Al Murabbaa Art Festival, Ajman (2021); ‘Art on the Creek’, with Dubai Culture and Art Authority, Dubai (2021); Emirates Fine Art Society event, Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah (2021); Emirates Fine Art Society event, Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah (2019); ‘Artistic Experiences’, Emirates Fine Art Society, Dubai (2018); ‘Arab Professionals’, Kaleemat Sanat Galeri, Istanbul (2018); Syrian Art and Culture Exhibition, Ismaili Culture Center (2016); ‘From Solid Body to Liquid Cities’, Group Palazzo Radetzky, Milan (2015); ‘Hybrid Effects’, Syrian Art and Culture Exhibition, Ismaili Culture Center (2015); Syrian Art and Culture Exhibition, Ismaili Culture Center (2014); Abu Dhabi Art Hub (official inauguration), Abu Dhabi (2014); and ‘6 degrees of Abstraction’, Gallery 76 Dubai International Art Center, Dubai (2013).

Khaddour’s painting titled ‘Lilac Evening’ was chosen by Art in the City Society as the cover for Art Map Dubai’s 26th issue. He is a member of the UAE Fine Arts Society.