The large, colourful canvases of Palestinian artist Oussama Diab employ pop-art and childlike imagery as a means of exploring global political concerns. Balloons, bananas and water guns function as symbolist interpretations of current events - in contrast to the universality of their nondescript background. Both figurative and abstract, Diab’s compositions relay stories of love and hate within a conflicted society.

Born in 1977 in Damascus 1977, Oussama Diab lives and works in the city. A graduate of the Faculty of Fines Arts in Damascus in 2002, he has featured in group exhibitions throughout the region and is the recipient of numerous awards in including the Shabbab Young Artists exhibition in Syria. Solo shows include Ayyam Gallery DIFC, Dubai (2012); Ayyam Gallery Beiruit (2010-11); Ayyam Gallery Dubai (2010); Ayyam Gallery Damascus (2009).