The Artist
Mahmoud Ashkanani
Biography
A lifetime devoted to colour, form, and expression
Mahmoud Ashkanani is a Kuwaiti artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, mosaic, and mixed media. Over four decades of practice, he has developed a deeply personal visual language rooted in abstraction — one that draws equally from the colours of the Arabian Gulf and the universal grammar of modern art.
Working primarily in acrylic, oil, watercolour, and Indian ink, Ashkanani's canvases are marked by bold gestural strokes, layered textures, and a luminous palette that shifts between earthy warmth and cool translucency. His sculptures in stone, wood, and ceramic extend this sensibility into three dimensions.
His work has been exhibited internationally — from solo shows at CAP Gallery Kuwait and Tilal Gallery to participation in the Cairo Biennale, the Moscow Solo Exhibition 2025, and auction at Sotheby's London. He has been recognised at the Al Qurain Cultural Festival and has represented Kuwait at international art symposia.
Beyond the studio, Ashkanani is committed to arts education and community engagement, having led workshops for people with special needs and contributed to cultural diplomacy through his art.
Solo Exhibitions
- 2026My Life Milestones — The Avenues Gallery, Kuwait
- 2024Victory Museum, Moscow
- 2024Museum of Modern Art, Kuwait
- 2019CAP Gallery, Kuwait
- 2018Sinyar Gallery, Dubai (UAE)
- 2017Sfax, on the occasion of the Kuwaiti Cultural Week
- 2016Fatema Lotah Studio, Dubai (UAE)
- 2014FA Gallery, Kuwait
- 2011–2013Tilal Gallery, Kuwait
- 2009Abdullah Al Salem Hall, Kuwait
Group Exhibitions
- 2025International Cultural Festival of Contemporary Art, Algeria
- 2015–2025Ludvig International Symposium, Kendlimajor, Hungary
- 2015–2017International Arts Forum, Almunecar, Spain
- 2016Beit Al Ghasham Symposium, Wadi Al Maawil, Oman
- 2015Workshop, Expo Milan
- 2014Workshop, Anadolu University, Turkey
- 2012Al Asmakh International Symposium, Doha, Qatar
- 2012GCC Form Exhibition, Jeddah (KSA)
- 2008–2016Bangladesh Biennale, Dhaka
- 2008First Luxor International Symposium, Egypt
- 2006Cairo International Biennale, Egypt
- 2006German Business Fair, Berlin, Germany
- 2006–2023Al-Qurain Festival, Kuwait
- 2005Group Exhibition for Kosovo Muslims, Kuwait
Awards
- 2017Martyrs' House Award
- 2013–2016Isa Saqr Award
- 2012–2014Spring Award
- 2011Golden Palm Award, Visual Arts Forum for GCC Artists, Jeddah
- 2005The Martyr Award
- 1979Teachers Award
Acquisitions
- 2023Jaber Hospital, Kuwait
- 2017Cultural Commission in Sfax, Tunisia
- 2015–2017National Council for Culture, Almunecar, Spain
- 2015Consulate of Kuwait in Milan, Italy
- 2016Anadolu University, Turkey
- 2016Beit Al-Ghasham Museum, Oman
- 2015CAP Gallery, Kuwait
- 2012Wendy Regency Hotel, Doha
- 2012–2017National Council for Cultures, Arts and Letters
- 2008Prince Taz Palace, Cairo, Egypt
- 2006Amiri Diwan
- 2006Bayan Palace
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