Akram Zaatari

Lebanon

Akram Zaatari

Akram Zaatari

Lebanon

Born in 1966 in Sidon, Lebanon, Akram Zaatari is an artist with roles ranging from filmmaker and photographer to archival artist and curator. Together with photographers Fouad Elkoury and Samer Mohdad, he co-founded the Arab Image Foundation in 1997, an initiative deeply rooted in his passion for collecting, studying, and preserving the rich photographic history of the Arab World.

Zaatari’s creative journey led him to be the chosen representative for Lebanon at the 2013 Venice Biennale, a distinction bestowed upon him by curators Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath for the Lebanese Pavilion. Throughout his career, he has delved into the complexities of post-war Lebanon, using his artistic prowess to explore the intricate interplay of television in mediating territorial conflicts and wars. His curiosity extends to the intricate dynamics of religious and national resistance movements, as well as the intricate web of image circulation and production within the contemporary context of geographic divisions in the Middle East.

His works have traversed the globe, adorning prestigious platforms such as the Centre Pompidou and earning a permanent place in the collections of renowned institutions like Tate Modern and the Thyssen Bornemisza Contemporary. Zaatari’s artistic legacy lies in his ability to shed light on multifaceted issues while utilizing various mediums, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the world of art.

Artist's projects