Project Description

Considered among the great modern artists in Syria, Elias Zayat has had a long and
rich career in painting and drawing over many decades. Known for his dramatic
portraiture of mankind, his practice has been thoroughly engaged with the visual
legacy of mythology, ancient civilisations and religions in the region. Figures
intertwine, almost floating, while recurring images of faces, some classical, others
saintly and yet others tortured, recall Zayat’ s other endeavor – conservationist and
restorer of orthodox icons. The artist also creates icons for churches in Syria using
the same tested technique used by masters across time.

Presented by Atassi Gallery, Damascus, Syria

2011