Walid Agha was born in Damascus in 1953 and studied Visual Communications at the University of Damascus before establishing his own silk-screening workshop. Between 1982 and 1989 he was a Professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Damascus University, Syria. His richly textured artworks are created using mixed media on paper, textiles, graphic prints, and stamp reliefs and feature delicate Arabic, Sumerian and Assyrian calligraphy, combined with bold panels of color and geometric design that s offer a new approach to calligraphic practices. Taking inspiration from Syria’s rich cultural history, be it visual symbols that are reminiscent of Damascene architecture, or scientific and religious practices common to Sufism, Agha’s work attests to the importance of tradition in developing new and innovative artistic techniques. In addition to painting, Agha also creates art deco pieces that are similarly inspired by calligraphy. Agha has exhibited internationally including in Syria, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States, and several of his works are held in private and public collections including the National Museum in Damascus and Burj Al-Arab in Dubai.
