Mustafa Ali مصطفى علي
Discover the Sculptural Odyssey of Mustafa Ali
Syrian visual artist Mustafa Ali is a sculptor at the core, whose artistic journey began amidst the ancient echoes of Ugarit (modern-day Ras Shamrah). Here, he discovered a profound connection with Phoenician culture, viewing it as an extension of his own identity. Venturing further, he immersed himself in the world of the Etruscans, captivated by their spiritual approach to sculpture, which left an indelible mark on his artistic vision.
At the heart of Mustafa Ali's work lies a deep contemplation of humanity and existence. Through the medium of sculpture, he explores the interplay between movement and stillness, perpetuity, and transience. His profound understanding of the Thamud people's perspective on death, where it symbolizes immortality rather than finality, adds layers of depth to his artistry.
A true master of his craft, Mustafa Ali pushes the boundaries of creativity across a myriad of materials. From clay to bronze, wood to iron, and beyond, each material serves as a canvas for his boundless imagination. He believes in the necessity of exploring new materials and techniques, constantly renewing his artistic expression.
Born in Latakia in 1956, Mustafa Ali's artistic journey led him to graduate from the sculpture department at the Faculty of Fine Arts, before further honing his skills at the Academy of Fine Arts in Italy.
His sculptures adorn museums throughout Syria and the Arab world, a testament to his enduring legacy. He has held numerous solo exhibitions both locally and internationally, captivating audiences with his innovative approach to sculptural storytelling.
Mustafa Ali's contributions to the art world have been recognized on a global scale. Awards such as the bronze award at the Sharjah Biennial and the gold award at the Latakia Biennial attest to his artistic prowess. Notably, he was honored with the Arab World Institute Award in Paris for his monumental sculpture spanning an impressive 36 square meters. In 2007, Arabian Business magazine bestowed upon him the title of one of the top 100 Arab personalities of the year.
BIOGRAPHY
Mustafa Ali, born in Latakia in 1956, embarked on his artistic journey at the sculpture department of the Faculty of Fine Arts. He furthered his studies at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Italy. His sculptures are housed in museums across Syria and the Arab world, and he has showcased his work in numerous solo exhibitions both domestically and internationally. Mustafa Ali's contributions to the art world have been celebrated with awards such as the bronze award at the Sharjah Biennial and the gold award at the Latakia Biennial. Additionally, he was honored with the Arab World Institute Award in Paris for his monumental sculpture. In 2007, Arabian Business magazine recognized him as one of the top 100 Arab personalities of the year.
EDUCATION
BFA, Faculty of Fine Arts, Carrara, Italy (1996)
BFA, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Damascus, Syria, with an excellence degree (1979)
Graduate of the Applied Arts Center, Syrian Ministry of Culture (1977)
Graduate of the Plastic Arts Center, Syrian Ministry of Culture (1974)
EXHIBITIONS (selection)
Solo Exhibitions
2024 “Mustafa Ali - Retrospective”, Mission art Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon.
2015 "L'Echo du Chaos" associated with UMAM, Gallery Mark Hachem, Beirut, Lebanon.
2011 Ayyam Gallery, Damascus, Syria.
2003 Kawaf Gallery, Aleppo, Syria.
Al Qabbani Theatre, Damascus, Syria.
2000 Fayrouz Gallery, Manama, Bahrain.
1999 Shoura Gallery, Damascus, Syria.
1998 Alice Mogabgab Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon.
1996 Baladna Art Gallery, Amman, Jordan.
1995 Alice Mogabgab Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon.
1993 Baladna Art Gallery, Amman, Jordan.
1988 Ashtar Gallery, Damascus, Syria.
Group Exhibitions
2013 Exhibition with Farouk Guendakja, Jeddah, KSA.
2011 Exhibition with Nazir Ismail, Doha, Qatar.
2009 The Syrian National Museum, Damascus, Syria.
2007 Graz, Vienna, Austria.
2007 Europe Art Exhibition, Geneva, Switzerland.
2005 Dual exhibition with Abdul Latif Al Smoud, Majlis Gallery, Dubai, UAE.
2004 Arab World Festival, Montreal, Canada.
2004 Syrian Cultural Week, London, UK.
2002 Art SUD Exhibition, Paris, France.
1998 Exhibition with Fateh Al Moudarres and Drouyer at Ashtar Gallery, Damascus, Syria.
1997 Dual exhibition with Moroccan artist Abdul Latif Al Smoudi, Casablanca, Morocco.
1996 Majlis Gallery, Dubaï, UAE.
1992 La Sponda Gallery, Rome, Italy.
Art Fairs
2010 Dialogue between Generations Sculpture Symposium, Damascus, Syria.
2009 Beijing Biennale, Beijing, China.
2006 International Sculpture Symposium, Amman, Jordan.
2005 Imagine the Book Biennale, Alexandria, Egypt.
2001 International Sculpture Symposium, Valencia, Spain.
1998 Sharjah Biennale, UAE.
1996 Cairo Biennale, Egypt.
1994 Alexandria Biennale, Egypt.
1994 The First International Sculpture Symposium in Rashana, Lebanon.
1993 International Sculpture Symposium in the Open Air, Berlin, Germany.
Mustafa Ali
Fall from the Top, 2007, wood and bronze, H68cm W30cm D27cm, (H26.7in W11.8in D10.6in), MissionArt, Beirut.
Mustafa Ali
Untitled, 2005, carved wood, H37cm W15cm D20cm (H14.5in W5.9in D7.9in), Mission Art, Beirut.
Mustafa Ali
Dialogue, 2008, bronze, edition of 8, H 32cm W 14cm D 14cm, (12.6in x 5.5in x 5.5in), Mission Art, Beirut.