Fateh Moudarres stands as a beacon in the realm of modern Syrian art, merging the mystical depths of ancient civilizations with contemporary expressions. His canvas was not just a medium but a vibrant dialogue between the past and present, encapsulating the spirit of Mesopotamia and the intellectual ferment of the 20th century. Moudarres transformed the traditional iconography into a personal language, infusing it with a spiritual dimension that transcends religious confines. His art celebrates the universality of human experience, embodying the fertility and resilience of life through figures that are deeply rooted in the earth, yet universal in their appeal.
Fateh Moudarres was not confined to the visual arts; he was a profound intellectual whose thoughts traversed the boundaries of literature, philosophy, and politics. His early engagement with existential and surrealist currents is a testament to his relentless quest for understanding human condition in its entirety. Moudarres's intellectual journey was marked by a critical engagement with cultural and political ideologies, reflecting a commitment to humanism that transcends regional conflicts. Through his art and writings, Moudarres invites us to contemplate the complexities of existence, urging a transcendence beyond the immediate into a realm of universal truths.
Above all, Fateh Moudarres was a humanist. His empathy for the plight of the marginalized and his critique of injustice are woven into the very fabric of his work. Moudarres's art serves as a poignant reminder of the artist's role as a witness to his times, channeling the collective memories of suffering and hope into a visual narrative that speaks to all humanity. His compassionate gaze invites viewers to see beyond the surface, to recognize our shared vulnerabilities and strengths. Through his profound connection to the human spirit, Moudarres challenges us to confront our own perceptions of identity, belonging, and empathy.
In 2022, the art world commemorated the centenary of the influential Syrian artist Fateh Moudarres (1922-1999), highlighting his significant contributions and enduring legacy in modern art. After his passing, Moudarres' wife, Shokran Imam, dedicated herself to preserving his workshop in Damascus as a museum and exhibition space, continuing his vision of artistic transmission. Following her death in 2015, their daughter, Rania Moudarres, took on the responsibility, navigating familial disputes to maintain her father's legacy. Amid the Syrian conflict, Rania relocated parts of the collection to Portugal, safeguarding it and later organizing a pivotal solo exhibition in Toulouse in 2018.
Subsequently, Rania moved to France, where legal reinforcement of the Moudarres Estate was secured with the help of Maître Gilles Hittinger-Roux. Efforts to authenticate and promote Fateh Moudarres' work have been intensified, leading to significant exhibitions and the participation of his works in international events. The Estate is now focused on establishing a comprehensive catalogue raisonné, entrusted to art historian Clotilde Scordia, to further solidify Fateh Moudarres' position as a paramount figure in 20th-century Middle Eastern modern art. This initiative underscores the Estate's dedication to protecting and authenticating Moudarres' oeuvre against counterfeits, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire and be accurately represented in the global art narrative.
1922: He was born in the city of Aleppo.
1958: Studied at preparatory schools in Aleppo, and at the American College in Aley.
1947: Studied arts and English in secondary schools in Aleppo, and participated in the Arab Artists Exhibition in Beit Meri.
The first exhibition of Syrian Arab plastic artists at the Preparation School, Damascus.
1950: The first exhibition of his works was organized in the Liwa Club in Aleppo.
1952: Participated in the exhibition of the Friendship Center in (New York).
The second exhibition of his works in Lund Center in Sweden.
1952: His painting (Kafr Jannah) won the prize for the third exhibition of plastic arts at the National Museum in Damascus.
Merit Award from the International Exhibition at the University of Cleveland - Florida.
First prize from the Syrian Ministry of Education.
Received the Crombacher Prize at the University of Cleveland, Florida, USA.
1955: Personal exhibition in New York.
1957: Exhibition of Arab Artists (Rome).
1959: A personal exhibition at the Chicchi Gallery in Rome, from which Jean-Paul Sartre acquired 3 paintings.
1960: The third exhibition at Hessler Gallery in Munich, Germany.
First prize from the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome.
1960: Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic with his colleague Louay Kayali at the Venice Biennale. (United Arab Republic Pavilion).
1961: Became a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus.
His attempts to invent a special personal style emerged.
The sixth exhibition in the International Modern Art Gallery - Damascus.
1962: The seventh exhibition in Gallery One in Beirut.
Gold Medal of the Italian Senate.
Diwan of poetry with his colleague Khaznadar in Arabic and French (Eastern Moon on the West Shore).
1963: Dr. Walterschill, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, acquired a collection of his.
The eighth exhibition in Gallery One in Beirut.
Participated in the (San Paulo) Biennial in (Brazil!) - Medal of Honor.
Itinerant exhibition of artists of Arab countries in Latin America.
A joint exhibition in Stuttgart (Federal Germany) organized by the German critic Dr. (Braque - Miro - Schneider - Zadkin - Erb - Picasso - Baumeister).
1964: The Syrian Pavilion in the New York Exhibition.
1965: The Syrian Exhibition in Beirut (Sursock Market).
The Syrian Arab Exhibition in (Moscow).
The Syrian Arab Exhibition in (Washington).
1967: The Contemporary Arab Exhibition (London).
The Ninth Exhibition in (Paris).
Gallery Contact in (Beirut).
The Syrian Arab Exhibition in (Tunisia).
1968: Alexandria Biennial for Mediterranean Artists.
1970: Salute to Malzo exhibition in Damascus (French writer).
1973: Personal exhibition in Montreal, Canada.
1976: The Ministry of Culture donated a painting of his works to Dr. Walterschill, President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Exhibition in the city of Aleppo with his colleague Louay Kayali.
1977: Exhibition of Syrian Arab Plastic Art in (Amman).
Professor of Graduate Studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Damascus University.
Syrian Arab Plastic Art Exhibition in (Kuwait).
Exhibition of Arab Plastic Art in (Rabat), Morocco.
San Paolo Biennial, Medal of Honor award.
The Ministry of Culture gifted a painting of his works to Mr. Jacques Chirac, former Prime Minister of France.
Founding member of the Union of Arab Plastic Artists.
Founding member of the Syndicate of Fine Arts in Syria and then its president for 11 years.
The Golden Sail Award from the Fifth Kuwait Exhibition for Arab Plastic Artists.
A special exhibition in Paris at the Brigitte Shehadeh Gallery.
1978: The eleventh exhibition in Bonn.
Bonn Exhibition, where he was received by Dr. Walterschill, President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
1980: Participated in the Grand Palace Exhibition in Paris for Syrian Arab Art.
Arab Countries Exhibition in (Bonn) and Frankfurt.
1980: A collection of stories "Mint's Stick".
The Twelfth Exhibition in (Damascus) the French Center.
1982: The Arab-Syrian Exhibition in (Tunisia) and (Algeria).
The Syrian Arab Exhibition in (Sofia).
1983: The Syrian Arab Plastic Art Exhibition in (Paris).
Exhibition (Cannes Surmer) in (France).
Syrian Plastic Art Exhibition in East Berlin.
1984: The thirteenth exhibition in (Damascus) the Bulgarian Cultural Center.
Touring exhibition in Latin American countries.
1984: The fourteenth exhibition in (Damascus) the Bulgarian Cultural Center.
Issued a book (Time is a thing) with his friend Hussein Raji.1986: State Prize.
1986-1991: Participated in all official exhibitions and his paintings are distributed in Syria and the world and to many individuals.
1992: State Appreciation Award for Arts - Jordan.
1993: A personal exhibition of his works in (Washington) United States.
1994: Personal exhibition, Washington.
Retrospective exhibition with book and film printing from the Arab World Institute - Paris.
Honored by Oman.
1996: Beirut retrospective.
Honored by Kuwait.
1997: retrospective exhibition in Dubai.
Since 1952, the artist participated in several exhibitions in Washington, Latin America, Rome, Paris, London, and several other European countries.
1999: He passed away in Damascus.
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© Fateh Moudarres Estate