Oussama Diab
Biography
Palestinian artist, born in 1977, Oussama Diab is one of the Middle East's most dynamic new talents. Since graduating from the Faculty of Fines Arts in Damascus in 2002, he has been featured in solo and group exhibitions throughout the region and has been honored for his work with several awards (including first prize) from the distinguished Young Artists exhibition. His debut show with Ayyam Gallery Damascus in 2009 marked the beginning of an exciting new partnership and was well-received within the local art scene. With successful sales at the gallery's Young Collectors auction, he has quickly garnered great recognition among regional art lovers.
Known for large colorful canvases that employ symbolist interpretations of current events, his recent series of paintings reflects a profound investigation into global political concerns while hinting at the artist's passion for international art. Inspired in part by American painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, Diab's work presents an exciting new take on graffiti-inspired Neo-Expressionism. Updating this painting style while injecting it with his own references, he presents a fresh look at the world. His markings appear quick and spontaneous with an overwhelming urgency, while his subjects exist in a nondescript setting, a technique that creates a sense of universality.
At once pop-infused and marked with a childlike innocence, his canvases are also discernible by their serious subject matter, a juxtaposition that reflects the striking duality of his work. Diab belongs to a contemporary movement of Arab painting that is characterized by its great experimentation and range.
Artist Press
Forward MagazineDownload PDF (2.8 MB)
Nuclear Fusion, Timeout Dubai February 4, 2010
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Oussama Diab, The National February 2010
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A Fairy Tale of Love and Freedom, by Nadia Muhanna
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Artist Exhibitions
Oussama Diab Solo Exhibition 25 Jan - 27 Feb, 2010View Exhibition
Oussama Diab Solo Show, Damascus 3 Oct - 19 Nov, 2009
View Exhibition
Artist Publications
Oussama DiabView Publication
Selected Works
OD55 Oussama DIAB 'Untitled' 180 X 180 cm. Mixed Media on Canvas 2009 LOCATION: DUBAI
OD32 Oussama DIAB 'The King and The Mask' 120 X 120 cm. Mixed Media on Canvas 2009 LOCATION: DUBAI
OD33 Oussam DIAB 'Untitled' 120 X 120 cm. Mixed Media on Canvas 2009 LOCATION: DUBAI
OD39 Oussama DIAB 'Mirrors 3' 150 X 260 cm. Mixed Media on Canvas 2009 LOCATION: DUBAI
OD48 Oussama DIAB 'Lady in White' 150 X 170 cm. Mixed Media on Canvas 2009 LOCATION: DUBAI
OD49 Oussama DIAB 'Ahmad and Words' 150 X 170 cm. Mixed Media on Canvas 2009 LOCATION: DUBAI