Visual Artist | United Arab Emirates
Muhannad Kelani
Born in 1954
Artworks by Muhannad Kelani
About the creator
- Muhannad Kelani is a visual artist born in Damascus, Syria in 1955. He spent much of his life in the town of Harasta in Eastern Ghouta, a suburb of the Syrian capital. Raised in a family and community where art was not a central focus, Kelani’s passion for drawing emerged early in childhood. Driven by a deep, self-motivated desire to create and understand the world through art, he developed his skills independently. Art became Kelani’s refuge—an expressive language that helped him interpret his surroundings. Through rigorous self-education, he studied drawing techniques, artistic principles, and immersed himself in global art history, its schools, movements, and philosophies. He worked across various traditional media, including pencil, charcoal, wood, watercolor, and oil paint. Kelani began his artistic journey with portraiture and observational sketches, capturing the essence of everyday life in Damascus. His work expanded to depict historical architecture, nature scenes, surreal compositions, and reinterpretations of iconic international artworks. Over time, he embraced a postmodern expressionist approach, blending traditional techniques with conceptual depth. With the advent of the Internet, Kelani enhanced his academic understanding of art and culture, which further enriched his creative expression. He also became an influential art publisher, sharing insights on global art history and receiving recognition from several international art institutions. His work has garnered a following from artists and art enthusiasts around the world. Tragically, during the Syrian conflict, Kelani’s home and art studio were completely destroyed, resulting in the loss of his entire life’s work. Forced to relocate in search of safety, he faced overwhelming psychological, emotional, and financial challenges. Despite these hardships, his dedication to art and his voice as an artist remain a testament to resilience and the enduring power of creativity.
Masterpieces by Muhannad Kelani
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