Biography

Born in Antakya (Antioch), Adham Ismail (1922–1963) graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Rome in 1956 after receiving a scholarship from the Italian government. He taught at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Damascus University, and briefly served as an art advisor in the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.

Throughout his career, Ismail explored contemporary local and regional themes—including chivalry, freedom, revolution, and the Arab struggle—alongside historical subjects. His distinctive style featured continuous lines that created color spaces suggesting volume. Drawing inspiration from calligraphy, his work displayed graceful fluidity through curving shapes and soft arcs that formed bodies and depicted scenes.

Ismail's works were widely exhibited during his lifetime and were acquired by the Syrian Ministry of Culture, National Museum in Damascus, Samawi Collection, and Dummar Museum. In recognition of his influence, one of Syria's most prominent art education centers was named in his honor: the Adham Ismail Center for Fine Arts.