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| Ammar Al-Beik’s natural ability coupled with a spirited enthusiasm and a serious devotion to art has resulted in a powerful portfolio that commands the attention of global art scene. Born in Syria in 1972, the business administration
graduate of the University of Damascus embarked on a career in photography and cinematography. In 1995, he became a member of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) in Switzerland, and one of his photographs (The Milkman) was chosen to be published in the «The Earth 2000» book. While his “Abu Ghreib” photograph reached a price record of $24,000, an unprecedented high record for an Arab photographer during the CMOOA auction in Casablanca in 2008. Al-Beik’s powerful, signature and cinematic stills possess a narrative dimension expressed through innovative abstractions of color and pattern that demonstrate his mastery of light, contrast, rhythm and time. As the first Syrian filmmaker to be officially selected for the 63rd Venice International Film Festival competition in 2006, his film “I Am the One Who Brings Flowers to her Grave”, won the Festival’s prize in the -official selection, Orizzonti competition-, presented by The Documentary Film Association of Italy”. While his latest film entitled “Samia” is been selected to participate at the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival 2009 in Japan. With subject matter that remains rooted in Syrian heritage and culture, his recent photographic works consist of manipulated collection of memories; carefully designed compositions executed on cotton paper or on C-Print plexi frame. His latest photography exhibitions are: “Black vs. Color” at Ayyam Gallery Dubai in 2008, “Ayyam Editions” at Ayyam Gallery Damascus in 2009, Palmbeach 3 and Scope Basel Art Fairs in 2009. |