Naiem Ismail

Place: Antioch

Born: 1930

Death: 1979

Biography:

One of the pioneering artists after the independence movement, Naiem Ismail was known for his abstract style, geometric motifs and depiction of daily life that often combined Islamic influences and symbolic forms. He studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Istanbul, graduating in 1953. After pursuing research in the art of medals and frescoes at private institutions in Rome, he eventually returned to Damascus in the late 1950s, where he held a number of significant positions. His painting style became highly influential, incorporating patterns, geometry, and visual rhythms of local textiles into harmonious colorist compositions that suggest depth and space with sharp lines and multiple planes, giving an illusionist feel in which everyday visual culture is highlighted for its complexity and brought into the realm of fine art.