Oussama Diab

Oussama Diab is a Palestinian artist who addresses the contradictions and obstacles of political conflict, globalisation, and exile through playful symbolism, references to popular culture, iconic imagery, and narrative structures. With each new series he adopts a different painting style, reflecting the impermanent nature of art as it becomes increasingly conceptual and further dematerialized.

Born in 1977 in Damascus, Oussama Diab lives and works in the Netherlands. He graduated in 2002 from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus and has featured in solo and group exhibitions throughout the Middle East and is the recipient of numerous awards.

OUSSAMA DIAB

Date of birth: 1977.
Place of birth: Damascus, Syria.

Selected Solo Exhibitions

Selected Group Exhibition

2006    ‘Land Day Exhibition’, Naji Al Ali Gallery, Damascus (SY) 2006       ‘Palestinian Artists Exhibition’, Albaath Gallery, Damascus (SY)

2006    ‘All Art Now’, Ahmed Chawki Gallery, Cairo (EG)

2005    ‘Annual Exhibition’, Syrian Ministry of Culture, Damascus (SY) 2005            ‘Palestinian Artists Exhibition’, Albaath Gallery, Damascus, (SY) 2004            ‘Annual Exhibition’, Syrian Ministry of Culture, Damascus (SY) 2003            ‘Annual Exhibition’, Syrian Ministry of Culture, Damascus (SY)

2003    ‘Graduation Exhibition’, Faculty of Fine Arts – University of Damascus, (SY)

2003    ‘4^th Young Artist’s Exhibition’, Khan Asaad Basha Space, Damascus (SY) 2003            ‘Graduation Exhibition Faculty of fine Arts’, French Culture Center, Damascus (SY)

2002    ‘3^rd Young Artist’s Exhibition’, Ayyam Gallery, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE 2001            Faculty of Fine Arts Gallery, University of Damascus, Damascus (SY)

Commissions

2014    The Confrontation, Dubai, UAE (commissioned by Rami Boutros) 2010     New Mona Lisa, Dubai, UAE (commissioned by Khaled Samawi)

Awards

2004   First Prize, 5^th Young Artist’s Exhibition, Khan Asaad Basha Space, Damascus (SY)

2003   Jury Prize, 4^th Young Artist’s Exhibition, Khan Asaad Basha Space, Damascus (SY)

2002            Jury Prize, 3^rd Young Artist’s Exhibition, Ayyam Gallery, Al Quoz, UAE

Publications

2009    Oussama Diab, Ayyam Gallery, Dubai, UAE (Authors: Rashed Issa, Nadia Muhanna, Michel Bohbot)

2006    Room, Mustafa Ali Gallery, Damascus (SY)

Education

2002    BA, Faculty of Fine Arts – University of Damascus, Damascus (SY)

Professional Experience

2006   Professor and Workshop Leader, UNRWA, Damascus (SY)