Mahmoud Hammad

Who is Mahmoud Hammad?

Mahmoud Hammad is a Syrian painter. A pioneer of modern Syrian art, he studied art in Accademia di belle arti di Roma during 1953–1957 in the art of engraving and especially the art medals. After completing his studies he returned to Damascus in 1960 and taught as professor at the Fine Arts Faculty of Damascus since its creation. From 1970 until 1980, he became dean at the Fine Arts Faculty of Damascus. In 1939 he started exhibiting in most Arab countries, in Europe and in USA. In 1948, first prize in Arts in Damascus Exhibition. In 1957, first prize at the competition of the city of Naples. In 1959, first prize at the competition of Ministry of Culture in United Arab Republic. In his work, Hammad uses the geometry of elementary forms to express the dynamic spirit of the Arabic letter. Among circles, squares, rectangles, determined by the color, the letter appears with liberty to end a profound silence.

His work has been shown in exhibitions at museums such as the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.