Mamdouh Kashlan, the oldest living artist from his generation in Damascus at the age of 90, is renowned for his highly detailed and vibrant body of work depicting daily scenes of ordinary people's lives. Often referred to as the "artist of the people," he captures the essence of Syrian nature and identity through his distinct and colorful mosaic-like style. Kashlan's art portrays real-life scenes with a touch of enchantment, showcasing everyday life in villages and cities, depicting children, mothers, and men at work on his bright and cheerful canvases.
Over the course of more than six decades, Kashlan has exhibited in over three hundred shows both in Syria and various countries worldwide. His artwork can be found in museums across Bulgaria, France, Finland, Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, and more. In 1996, he received the prestigious Pioneer Prize from the Syrian Ministry of Culture. Kashlan studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome between 1952 and 1957, alongside Mahmoud Jalal and Mahmoud Hammad, making him one of the three artists of his generation to have studied in Italy. Upon returning to Syria, he held his inaugural exhibition at the National Museum of Damascus in 1958. In 1969, while working and teaching in Egypt and Syria, he established the Fine Arts Syndicate of Syria. He was also commissioned by UNICEF to create works highlighting women's education.
As one of the founding Syrian modernists, Mamdouh Kashlan focuses on depicting people and landscapes in his artwork. He describes his vision of Damascus as a city filled with noble people and distinctive characteristics. He is deeply inspired by the authentic Damascene life, characterized by sympathy, love, and familial bonds. Kashlan's affection for the city intertwines with his portrayal of its houses, alleys, and majestic minarets, all elevated in their beauty and dignity.
Born in Damascus in 1929, Mamdouh Kashlan earned a scholarship to study art at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome, graduating in 1957. He has authored numerous books on art, art education, as well as on fellow artists Mahmoud Jalal and Louay Kayyali.
Kashlan's artwork is characterized by lively linework and figures infused with energy, complemented by his vibrant color palette. He views the bright and warm colors in his works as an emotional expression, capable of transcending his psychological state even in moments of sadness or depression.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kashlan has participated in over a hundred international group and solo exhibitions. His artwork can be found in private and public collections, including The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille, the Museum of Modern Art in Cairo, the National Museum and Dummar Museum in Damascus, the Aleppo Museum, and the Sursock Museum in Beirut. His works are also housed in museums across Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Bulgaria, and Montenegro.