Jabr ALWAN جبر علوان
Exploring the Artistic Journey of Jaber Alwan
Born in the ancient cradle of civilization, Babylon, Iraq, in 1948, Jaber Alwan's artistic path began to unfold at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad, where he graduated in 1970.
In pursuit of higher artistic horizons, Alwan ventured to Italy in 1972, immersing himself in the vibrant cultural milieu of Rome at the Academy of Fine Arts. Under the tutelage of the esteemed Italian sculptor Emilio Greco, he graduated from the Sculpture department in 1975, followed by a triumphant graduation from the Painting department in 1978.
Exiled from his homeland, Alwan found solace and inspiration in the eternal city of Rome, where his artistic prowess flourished. In 1985, the Municipality of Rome bestowed upon him the prestigious title of Best Artist, a historic accolade marking him as the first foreign artist to receive such recognition.
Alwan's artistic legacy extends far beyond the borders of Italy, with his works gracing esteemed public and private collections worldwide. From the Museums of Modern Art in Baghdad and Kuwait to the Arab Museum of Modern Art in Qatar and beyond, his sculptures and paintings resonate with audiences across continents.
Among the distinguished collections that house his creations are the Dubai Collection in the UAE, The Atassi Foundation in the UAE, the Museum of Modern Art in Damascus, Syria, the Sharjah Art Museum in the UAE, the Cairo Opera House in Egypt, the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, Portugal, and The Jalambo Collection.
Today, Jaber Alwan continues to sculpt and paint in the enchanting streets of Rome, Italy, where his artistic spirit finds its eternal muse.
SOLO SHOWS (selection)
2022 – Solitude, Mysr Gallery, Cairo, Egypt.
2006 – Dar Al Anda, Jordan.
2005 – Museum of Art of Kuwait, Kuwait.
2004 – Al-Marsa Gallery, Tunis.
2003 – Al-Mada Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon
2002 – M-Art Gallery, Vienna, Austria
2001 – M-Art Gallery, Vienna, Austria.
2000 – Green Art Gallery, Dubai, UAE.
Jabr Alwan
untitled, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 140 cm x 150 cm (55.1 in x 59 in), Mission Art, Beirut.
Jabr Alwan
untitled, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 140 cm x 60 cm (55.1 in x 23.6 in), Mission Art, Beirut.