It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Asaad Arabi, painter, critic, and thinker, whose profound influence shaped the art world, particularly in Syria, which remained at the heart of his life's work.
A pioneering figure in contemporary Arab painting, Asaad Arabi was widely celebrated for his innovative style and impactful contributions as both an art theorist and critic. From the 1960s onward, he continuously evolved his artistic language to capture the rhythms, sensuality, and hidden narratives of urban life, especially in his native Syria. Early mentorship from Italian painter Guido La Regina sparked his exploration of abstraction and modernist figuration, which later transitioned into geometric abstraction during a regional revival of Islamic aesthetics in the 1980s.
His vibrant yet urgent application of paint has left an indelible mark on the history of Middle Eastern art, and will continue to do so. Arabi’s legacy will inspire future generations of artists and remain a powerful force within the Arab art world. With a strong mind comes a lasting legacy.
We are deeply grateful for the milestones we shared with him and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Asaad Arabi will forever remain a part of Ayyam’s history and family.
May his soul rest in peace.