Embrace art’s expressions and spark the inspiration you’ve been searching for
About Hassan Zakaria
Art is not a realization or impression, art is as complex as our complex expressions.
Hassan Zakaria received his academic education from the prestigious Homs Fine Art Center (Subhi Shuaib) in Syria. His artistic journey is deeply rooted in the contemporary Syrian art movement, driven by a quest to transcend political repression and advocate for a more liberal and humanitarian future.
Before the Syrian conflict, Zakaria participated in various art exhibitions and workshops, including the Syrian-Scandinavian art workshop in Palmira in 2005. He later moved to Abu Dhabi in 2008, where he engaged in numerous exhibitions at the city's art and culture center, developing his abstract impressionist style focused on memories of Syria's natural beauty.
In 2012, Zakaria relocated to Narvik, Norway, marking a significant chapter in his artistic journey. Zakaria held his first solo exhibition there in 2014, titled "Syria in Colours," which reflected his generation's aspirations, dreams, and the harsh realities of his homeland amidst war.
Zakaria's frequent travels across Europe, including Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, and France, profoundly influenced the development of his artistic style.
Since settling in Stavanger in 2018, Zakaria has shifted his artistic focus from war-influenced themes to introspective abstract humanitarian expressions. holding his solo exhibition and many art participations in Norway and other European cities
His art is a vivid expression of ancient mythologies and timeless human stories, where each piece pulses with the symbolic power of legendary tales. Drawing from myths—Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and beyond—he sees these narratives as more than just stories. They are profound reflections of human nature, filled with universal themes of love, loss, transformation, and the relentless quest for meaning.
One of the recurring symbols in his work is the **Forbidden Fruit**, a powerful metaphor from biblical mythology. In his expressive style, the Forbidden Fruit represents temptation, desire, and the consequences of choice—much like the myths themselves, which explore the tension between light and darkness, creation and destruction. This symbol weaves through his pieces as a visual representation of human curiosity, longing, and the transformative moments that forever alter one’s path.
Layering rich symbolism and mythic archetypes—heroes, gods, and creatures from ancient lore—he captures the raw emotion behind these stories. His art becomes a canvas where the ancient past converges with the present, with the Forbidden Fruit as an expressive centerpiece that invites viewers to contemplate their own experiences with temptation, loss, and growth.
Through his emotive technique, his work taps into the complexities of the human condition. The myths are brought to life through expressive strokes and bold contrasts, allowing the viewer to feel the intensity of these age-old tales while reflecting on their own personal journeys. The Forbidden Fruit, and other mythological symbols in his work, create a bridge between the eternal truths of ancient stories and the timeless struggles we all face today.
