Gylan Safadi was born in Al-Sweida, Syria in 1977 and studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Damascus. Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, Safadi has shifted from his usual use of vivid colors to painting tonal works in black and white that are inspired by his memories of life prior to the instability and destruction afflicting his country. Safadi believes that by abandoning color and focusing on the emotional dimensions of his subjects, his works better reflect the socio-political realities and traumas faced by his people that he seeks to capture in his canvases. In addition to participating in exhibitions in Beirut, Syria, and Paris, Safadi has contributed to artistic life in his hometown of Al-Sweida, founding the Kameh Institute in 2008, which is committed to teaching theatre and arts to children. The artist currently lives and works in Lebanon.
