4 Artists With Middle Eastern Heritage

August 11, 2023 Laura Hayes 0

These four Middle Eastern artists create art in four different ways. Given their unique life experiences and artistic journeys, we’d expect nothing less! From eye-catching and striking to exotic and alluring, we’re taking a look at art from four artists with roots in this fascinating region of the eastern hemisphere.

With such strong family traditions and a unique mix of languages, you don’t have to have Middle Eastern heritage to appreciate the culture’s diverse beauty. It makes sense that artists with this background would be inspired by their ethnic culture. While we often see this influence represented in art through ancient symbolism, traditional wardrobe, and calligraphy, artists find inspiration in a variety of places. Sometimes, your heritage drives what you create, but that’s not always the case.

From evocative females to comic book creations, the work from these artists can bring joyfully colorful or shockingly bold vibes. From cubism paintings to patterned digital art, keep scrolling to find a new favorite artist.

1. Nagui Achamallah

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Nagui Achamallah’s paintings feature human figures in colorful cubism scenes. With a direct Egyptian and South Mediterranean influence, he often incorporates traditional headdresses, instruments, and ancient symbols to reference the cultural lifestyles of the natives. Using an eye-catching mix of patterns, he shines a light on the beautiful intricacies tied into Middle Eastern heritage.

From Egyptian women amongst the lotus harvest to a man strumming the Egyptian oud, we think his artwork can be a great way to bring the striking and musical energy of this culture to your space.

Click here to see all of Nagui Achamallah’s artwork available on iCanvas.

2. Maher Morcos

Maher Morcos’ paintings reveal females and scenic views from across the world. His cultural influence of his Egyptian background is apparent in his scenes of women wearing Arabian head coverings, Egyptian dresses, and surrounded by intricate ancient architecture. Often featuring his subjects as nude or in an evocative pose, he brings an alluring touch to each of his paintings.

From a woman cuddling up with a lion in front of cave wall carvings to a lady in a headdress leaning against a wall, we think his artwork can be an interesting way to pull you into the exotic mystery of the Middle East.

Click here to see all of Maher Morcos’ artwork available on iCanvas.

3. Dina Razin

Inspired by her rich Middle Eastern culture in addition to traveling and reading, Dina Razin’s digital art features females in colorful scenes with embellished outfits. At first glance, you might not notice her cultural influence among the mix of ladies with flowers and greenery. But with the flowy dress styles and intricate mixes of patterns, you can see where her half Syrian and half Iraqi inspiration shines through.

From Frida on her throne to women wearing bathing suits in a summer beach scene, we think her artwork can be a lovely way to add some bright botanicals to your space with joyful energy.

Click here to see all of Dina Razin’s artwork available on iCanvas.

4. Mark Ashkenazi

Showcasing his feelings and thoughts in the moment, New Yorker Mark Ashkenazi’s digital art features comic book scenes, abstracts, superheroes, nude bodies, popular icons, and more, along with Limited Edition prints of famous faces and characters. With no clear influence of his Israeli heritage seen in his work, his prints hone in on bursts of color and surprising twists on fan favorite pop culture characters. A mix of strong outlines and sometimes explicit imagery, his eclectic collection strikes us.

From Homer Simpson washing a car in short shorts to a pop art portrait of Marilyn Monroe, we think his artwork can be a great way to bring bold or erotic vibes to your space.