Baya’s dreamlike paintings redefined North African art. Her bold use of color and surreal depictions of women, nature, and folklore captivated the likes of Picasso and Matisse. Blending tradition with fantasy, her work became a powerful symbol of identity and resilience, celebrating the richness of Algerian heritage through a unique lens.

A look at the life and art of Jewad Selim — an Iraqi painter and sculptor who was considered one of the founders of modern art in Iraq. Image via The National News.

This blog dives further into the lives and artwork of Amine El Bacha, Paul Guiragossian and Saloua Raouda Choucair. Three leading artists of Lebanon’s art world, they were the focus of a Moving Biographies podcast episode entitled “Curating an artist’s (and parent’s) biography” — which featured a conversation between Mahita El Bacha Urieta, Manuella Guiragossian and Hala Schoukair — daughters of each artist respectively.