Biography

One of Syria's pioneering artists after the independence movement, Naim Ismail was renowned for his abstract style, geometric motifs, and depictions of daily life that seamlessly blended Islamic influences with symbolic forms.

Born in Antioch, Naim Ismail (1930–1979) moved south with his family during Syria's annexation by Turkey in 1939, alongside his three brothers—Adham, Sidqi, and Aziz—all of whom later became prominent artists and thinkers. After completing his formal art training in Istanbul and Rome, Ismail settled in Damascus as an artistic director for publications. He served as the Director of Fine Arts in the Ministry of Culture during the 1970s until his death in 1979.

Ismail strove to create work that was both visually compelling and engaged with socio-political issues. His paintings merged narrative scenes with symbols to convey themes of unity, struggle, birth, and blessings. A prolific artist, he produced hundreds of pen drawings, paintings, frescoes, mosaics, publication covers, and advertisements. His public works include the main façade of the Damascus trade union building and the front of the Euphrates Dam in Tabqa. His work has been exhibited widely and acquired by private and public collections, including the Barjeel Art Foundation.