Fateh Moudarres, a pioneering figure in modern Syrian art, was born in 1922 near Aleppo. He gained recognition for his remarkable talent while studying at the Aleppo American College, graduating in 1940. Moudarres furthered his education in Rome at the Academia Di Belle Arti from 1956 to 1960 and later pursued graduate studies at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1969 to 1972. Returning to Syria, he became a prominent figure, teaching at the University of Damascus and leading the Department of Fine Arts and the Fine Arts Association.
Moudarres drew inspiration from his cultural heritage, incorporating Sumerian, Assyrian, and Islamic visual traditions, as well as Christian iconography, into his artwork. His style evolved over time, shifting towards lighter colors and abstract forms. He painted vivid landscapes inspired by his rural upbringing and depicted ordinary Syrian peasants and women in a symbolic, depthless setting. While some considered his forms simplistic or childlike, Moudarres' style was the result of a carefully developed artistic process spanning five decades.
In addition to his art, Moudarres was a sensitive individual who found inspiration in nature, music, and the subconscious. Influenced by Surrealist principles, he used techniques like automatic drawing to express repressed memories and desires. His emotionally charged works addressed personal experiences, including the loss of his father and his children, as well as broader humanitarian and socio-political issues.
Moudarres's paintings were texturally rich, employing various techniques such as thick applications of oil paint mixed with sand and loose, gestural brushstrokes. Color played a crucial role in his art, with each color assigned a symbolic significance. He approached red cautiously, associating it with aggression and battle. Blue became a vehicle for political critique, while gold, often applied in gold leaf, symbolized Byzantine art and counterbalanced other colors. White represented majesty and acted as a generous host to the other hues on his canvas.
Throughout his career, Fateh Moudarres made significant contributions to the art world, merging cultural heritage with personal expression and addressing profound themes through his unique visual language.