"Old Damascus" Painting

As I evolve and mature through life, I always find myself returning to my own essence, as a human – a woman, a mother. For me, my world – this "Dunia" cannot be separated from my feminine identity.  My paintings are a translation of the spectrum of my feelings and experiences – the good, as well as those which are more difficult to bear.  With every dot or stroke, I express my hope in the renewal of life and the necessary struggle that each day brings. It is through this toiling that something beautiful is born. Baha Omary Kikhia was born in Damascus, Syria, and studied Fine Arts at the Universities of Baghdad and Damascus. She was the student of leading artists Fatih Al Muddaress and Faiq Hassan. Earlier in her career, Baha moved to New York City, where she exhibited in private galleries including the United Nations as well as curating an exhibition of Arab artists at the Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza. Her extensive travels took her art to many cities around the world (London, Paris, Brussels etc.), where her art continued to thrive. Historically, Baha’s oil paintings have been distinguished by a vivacious, sensual aura and unique use of vibrant color, which reflects her view of the world as incessantly swirling with beauty, pain and joy. The commanding presence of the feminine is seen in her depiction of old cities, landscapes, and Bedouin gatherings. Her ink drawings also demonstrate her tendency toward a bold and a continuous, round stroke, weaving in the movement of the natural world: birds, snakes, fish and butterflies make appearances, symbolizing moments of shedding, transformation, healing and freedom. Baha currently resides in Richmond, VA where she continues to express her vision and celebration of life.