Nizar Sabour

Nizar Sabour, deeply connected to the essence of Syria, employs natural materials in his artistic creations. Drawing inspiration from his childhood memories, Sabour explains that his experiences are intricately linked to the earth. Fond recollections of walking through the forest and the scent of burnt wood from barbecues awaken his visual and gustatory senses.

Born in Latakia in 1958, Nizar Sabour completed his education at the Fine Arts Faculty of Damascus University and obtained a PhD in Art Philosophy from the Strugunov Academy of Industrial & Applied Arts in Moscow, Russia.

Sabour's artworks are influenced by a wide range of historical eras, encompassing ancient history and contemporary realities of the region. His pieces subtly reflect diverse themes, touching upon the legend of Gilgamesh, religious iconography, and miniatures. Through his work, he references various belief systems and societal ways of life. Additionally, Sabour incorporates depictions of present-day tragedies, such as the invasion of Iraq, the Palestinian Intifada, and the destruction of Syrian historical and religious sites like Maaloula, Palmyra, and Qalamoun.

The cityscapes and narrative scenes depicted in Sabour's artwork often exude an archaic quality reminiscent of ancient manuscripts. Some of his select paintings take the form of diptychs and triptychs, utilizing wood instead of canvas, further enhancing the historical style. Sabour employs a minimal palette, often creating his own pigments from natural materials, such as using burnt olive pits to produce a black hue. This approach lends a tactile experience to his work.

Nizar Sabour's artistic creations have found their way into public and private collections worldwide, including the National Museum and the People's Palace in Damascus, the National Museum of Jordan, the Bahrain National Museum, the Sharjah Art Museum, and the Museum of Eastern Peoples Arts in Moscow.