Hiba Alansari: Sculpting Resilience Amidst Trauma

Hiba Alansari’s artistic journey began in Tripoli, Libya, where she was born in 1983. From a young age, her fascination with art blossomed amidst the complexities of her upbringing—a formative experience that would profoundly shape her creative vision. Her formal education commenced at the Adham Ismail and Walid Ezzat Institute for Fine Arts in Damascus, Syria, between 2005 and 2008, laying the groundwork for her mastery of painting techniques. This initial foray into artistic exploration culminated in a Bachelor’s degree awarded in 2012 from the Academy of Fine Arts in Damascus—a testament to her dedication and talent. Driven by an unwavering desire to refine her skills further, Alansari pursued postgraduate studies at Munich Academy of Fine Arts under Professor Gregor Schneider's guidance from 2014 onwards. Her focus on sculpture solidified her artistic identity, resulting in a Diploma earned in 2017—a culmination of intensive research and practical experimentation. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in numerous group exhibitions across Europe and the Middle East, notably including a prestigious appearance at the Venice Biennale in 2015, showcasing her commitment to engaging with contemporary artistic discourse. Her work consistently confronts difficult subjects—primarily destruction, construction, and resistance against political violence. Her solo exhibitions have garnered critical acclaim, highlighting her distinctive approach to artistic expression. ‘The Math Book,’ presented at Ashkal Alwan in Beirut, Lebanon (2017), explored themes of mathematical precision juxtaposed with emotive imagery—a stylistic hallmark that distinguishes her work. Similarly, Shedhalle, Rote Fabrik in Zurich, Switzerland (2019), showcased her sculptural installations, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between form and concept. Recognizing her exceptional talent, Alansari has received scholarships from Ettijahat – Independent Culture, The Goethe Institute, The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), and The Schafhof Artist-in-Residence Program—affirming her position as a rising star in the international art scene. Alansari’s artistic output utilizes fragmented materials to symbolize shattered narratives while simultaneously striving for structural integrity, reflecting a deliberate engagement with themes of trauma and resilience. Through her meticulous craftsmanship and conceptual depth, Hiba Alansari contributes significantly to the ongoing dialogue about artistic representation and its capacity to illuminate profound human experiences. She has exhibited her work widely in the Middle East and Europe with solo and group exhibitions at venues such as Shedhalle, Rote Fabrik, Zurich; Ashkal Alwan, Beirut; Einstein Kultur, Munich; CAA Berlin; Salon Dahlmann, Berlin; Altes Gefängnis in Freising, Munich; Gut Altenkamp Museum, Papenburg; SMAC Gallery, Berlin; and Imago Mundi, La Biennale di Venezia, Italy. She has been awarded grants for her work from Ettijahat, Arab Fund for Arts and Culture - AFAC, The Goethe Institut, The German Academic Exchange Service - DAAD and the Heinrich Böll Foundation.

• Notable Exhibitions: Venice Biennale (2015), Ashkal Alwan (2017), Shedhalle (2019)
• Influences: Contemporary Sculpture, Installation Art
• Themes Explored: Destruction & Construction; Resistance Against Political Violence; Trauma & Resilience