A leading figure in contemporary Syrian art, Thaier Helal's large mixed media works are at the forefront of contemporary Arab abstraction. Drawing inspiration from his immediate environment and the physical and psychic aspects of society and culture, Helal's canvases communicate movement and energy through explosions of colour, the meticulous division of space and the repetitive layering of the surface.

Born in Syria in 1967, Thaier Helal lives and works in the United Arab Emirates. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Al Burda International Award from the Emirati Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development (2008); the Grand Gold Award at the Iran Contemporary Painting Biennial, Tehran (2005); the Award for Payyamgallery.com...