Additional info:
“Virtual ecstasy mingled with an Oriental taste”, were the words of renowned painter Elias Al Zayyat describing Edward Shahda’s work. Shahda’s artistic narratives come to life through folk tales, myths, and local icons. Echoes of Assyrian figures, Palmyrian sculptures, Christian icons, and Islamic miniatures resonate within his canvases. Born in Damascus in 1952, Shahda was raised in rural Hama, a wellspring of inspiration for his work. His genius lies in his unfettered exploration on the canvas – a liberty stemming from his indelible connection to nature. Though he spent much of his childhood painting his surroundings, he was formally trained at the Suhail Ahdab Center in Hama and the Faculty of Fine Arts at Damascus University. He later undertook a residency at the Anatoli Klankov Atelier in Russia. His work has shown in solo and group exhibitions internationally (Syria, Russia, Lebanon, Egypt, Dubai, Turkey, the US, Canada, France, Switzerland and China). Notable international exhibitions include the Alexandria Biennale, two editions of the Beijing International Art Biennale and the Arab World Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe) in Paris.
