9 Top Middle Eastern Artists You Need to Know
The Middle East is home to a vibrant and dynamic art scene, with contemporary artists pushing boundaries and exploring identity, politics, and culture through diverse mediums. From installations to photography, these artists have made their mark on the global art world. Here are nine top Middle Eastern artists whose work you should explore.
1. Khaled Barakeh
Syrian-born Khaled Barakeh uses his art as a tool for activism, addressing issues of conflict, migration, and social justice. His conceptual installations and multimedia works highlight the complexities of Syrian identity and diaspora, making him a powerful voice in contemporary Middle Eastern art.
He manages the Syria Cultural Index and Syrian Biennale.
2. Yasmine Nasser Diaz
Based in Los Angeles, Yemeni-American artist Yasmine Nasser Diaz explores the intersection of gender, culture, and religion. Her work often incorporates collage, installations, and text to delve into the challenges faced by Arab-American women navigating between tradition and modernity.
3. Hiba Kalache
Lebanese artist Hiba Kalache creates intimate, poetic works through painting, drawing, and installation. Her art reflects personal memories and the fragility of life, influenced by Beirut’s turbulent political landscape. Kalache’s pieces evoke both vulnerability and resilience.
4. Ahmed Mater
Saudi Arabian artist Ahmed Mater is one of the leading figures of contemporary art in the Kingdom. With a background in medicine, Mater fuses science and spirituality in his works, exploring the rapid urbanization of Mecca, religious symbolism, and social transformation in Saudi Arabia.
5. Zeineb Al Hashemi
Emirati artist Zeineb Al Hashemi is known for her innovative approach to urban art and design. Drawing inspiration from Emirati landscapes and cultural heritage, she creates large-scale installations that merge traditional motifs with modern aesthetics, reflecting on the UAE’s evolving identity.
She was nominated for the Richard Mille Art Prize in 2023, and she has collaborated with world-renowned brands like Hermès, Swarovski and Tiffany & Co.
6. Shaikha Al Mazrou
Shaikha Al Mazrou, an acclaimed Emirati sculptor, is celebrated for her bold geometric sculptures and experimental use of materials. Her minimalist works challenge perceptions of space, volume, and tension, establishing her as a rising star in the Middle Eastern art scene.
Her works have been collected by the Dubai Collection, the Farjam Foundation, and the Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art.
In 2023, she participated in the Desert X - AlUla exhibition and was nominated for the Richard Mile Art Prize at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
7. Alymamah Rashed
Kuwaiti artist Alymamah Rashed explores themes of the female experience, spirituality, and cultural symbolism through expressive, surreal paintings. Her art navigates between personal narratives and broader cultural dialogues, pushing boundaries in contemporary Arab feminist expression.
She has participated in various exhibitions in New York City at the Czech Center, Parsol Projects, and The New School.
She recently collaborated with the world-renowned Swiss watchmaker Piaget for 2025 Art Dubai.
8. Mohammed Kazem
A pioneer of conceptual art in the UAE, Mohammed Kazem’s work spans video, photography, and performance. His “Scratches on Paper” series and sound-based projects engage with ideas of perception, geography, and the ephemeral, cementing his influence on the Gulf’s art movement.
He participated in the Ludwig Forum in Aachen in 2002.
He has presented his artwork at biennials in Havana (2000), Dhaka (2002), Singapore (2006) and Venice (2013).
9. Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim
Based in Khor Fakkan, Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim is known for his organic, abstract forms inspired by the natural environment. He represented the UAE at the 59th Venice Biennale, and he participated in the Ludwig Forum in Aachen in 2002.
Celebrating Middle Eastern Contemporary Art
These Middle Eastern artists represent a diverse range of practices, themes, and cultural narratives. Their innovative works continue to challenge stereotypes, amplify regional voices, and shape the global art conversation. Whether you’re an art collector, curator, or enthusiast, these artists are essential to understanding the dynamic evolution of Middle Eastern contemporary art.