Biography & CV - Randa MADDAH
Randa Maddah, born in Majdal Shams village in 1983, occupied Syrian Golan, represents a compelling voice within contemporary art—one deeply rooted in the complexities of her homeland’s history and imbued with an unwavering commitment to exploring themes of memory, displacement, and identity. Growing up under occupation profoundly shaped her artistic vision, informing her practice across painting, sculpture, video, and installation.
Early Artistic Formation & Education: Maddah's formative years were marked by exposure to the realities of life within the Golan Heights—a region perpetually divided by geopolitical tensions between Israel and Syria. Recognizing the importance of formal training, she pursued studies at Adham Ismail Center in Damascus (2003), honing her skills in painting and sculpture before graduating from Damascus University’s Faculty of Fine Arts Sculpture Department in 2005. This initial grounding established a foundation for her subsequent artistic explorations. Her formative years were marked by exposure to the realities of life within the Golan Heights—a region perpetually divided by geopolitical tensions between Israel and Syria. Recognizing the importance of formal training, she pursued studies at Adham Ismail Center in Damascus (2003), honing her skills in painting and sculpture before graduating from Damascus University’s Faculty of Fine Arts Sculpture Department in 2005. This initial grounding established a foundation for her subsequent artistic explorations.
Expanding Horizons: Seeking further intellectual enrichment, Maddah enrolled at the Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem (2007), delving into etching techniques—a medium that allows for nuanced representations of texture and detail. Her work garnered critical acclaim from John Berger, who lauded its “power” and ability to “make the killing field between the aghast spectators and the agonizing victims sacred,” highlighting Maddah’s capacity to confront difficult subjects with sensitivity and artistic integrity. Berger noted Maddah's remarkable talent for conveying profound emotion through her art—specifically referencing her piece *Puppet Theater*, which he described as possessing "a power" unlike any other, capturing “the killing field between the aghast spectators and the agonizing victims sacred.”
Master's Degree & Parisian Influence: Maddah continued her artistic journey by earning a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from École Nationale des Beaux-Arts de Paris (2020), immersing herself in the vibrant cultural landscape of the French capital. This experience broadened her artistic perspective and solidified her dedication to pushing creative boundaries. During her time at École Nationale des Beaux-Arts, Maddah explored diverse artistic mediums and techniques—further refining her craft and expanding her conceptual framework. Her Parisian residency fostered collaboration with fellow artists and exposed her to innovative approaches to artistic expression.
Recent Artistic Output & Recurring Themes: Maddah’s current work centers on exploring concepts of sanctuary, liberation, and reincarnation—inspired by a belief in cyclical renewal and the transformative potential of nature. She frequently utilizes natural imagery alongside floating objects and circular motifs—symbols that underscore the enduring significance of origins and the cyclical rhythms of life. Her canvases express themes of refuge and resilience, reflecting her personal engagement with profound questions about existence and human experience. Notably, she’s a founding member of Fateh Al Mudarris Center for Arts and Culture in Majdal Shams and l'association Portes ouvertes sur l'art in Paris—organizations that champion intercultural dialogue and artistic exchange. Her multidisciplinary output incorporates elements of natural imagery, floating objects, and circular motifs—symbols that underscore the enduring significance of origins and the cyclical rhythms of life. Recent exhibitions include “La Pièce manquante,” “Mediterraneo sensibile,” “SEUILS” and “Heartbreak”, demonstrating her continued engagement with pressing social and political concerns. Maddah’s artistic output consistently confronts challenging subjects—often addressing trauma and loss—while simultaneously conveying a sense of hope and resilience. Her work invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of human experience amidst conflict and displacement, prompting reflection on memory and identity.
Awards & Recognition: Maddah’s artistic achievements have been acknowledged through prestigious awards, including the Prize of “les amis des Beaux-Arts de Paris,” The TAKIFUJI Art Award, The Young Artist of the Year Award from A.M. Qattan Foundation, and an Honorable Prize from École Nationale des Beaux-Arts de Paris. These accolades underscore her dedication to artistic excellence and her commitment to fostering creative innovation.
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**Workshops:** Maddah actively engages in artistic dissemination through workshops—sharing her expertise and inspiring younger generations of artists. Her workshop schedule includes residencies at “Cité internationale des arts” in Paris (2020), Hungary (“International Art Colony”, Csókakő, 2019), Sweden ("UmeaGolan"), and collaborations with the “Open Studio Group” in Birziet (various years). She participated in sculpture festivals in Golan Heights (2009, 2010, 2011) and Jerusalem (2007).
**Solo Exhibitions:** Maddah’s solo exhibitions showcase her artistic vision—demonstrating her ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through visual mediums. Notable exhibitions include “A hair tie” in Ramallah (2016), “Pencil on Paper” in Paris (2015), and “Untitled” in Damascus (2006).
**Group Exhibitions:** Maddah’s participation in group exhibitions expands her artistic dialogue—allowing her to engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to broader conversations about contemporary art. Her work has appeared in venues such as Galerie Analix Forever in Geneva (“La Pièce manquante”), Galerie d’art Desjardins in Drummondville (“Espaces identitaires”), Institut du monde arabe in Paris (“Mémoires partagées”), Makan-Hafez Gallery in Jeddah (“Weed Control”), and Cloitre des récollets – Ville de metz (“SEUILS”).
**Associations:** Maddah is a member of “l’association Portes ouvertes sur l’art”—a collective dedicated to promoting artistic visibility and fostering connections between artists and audiences. She also serves as a founding member of Fateh Al Mudarris Center for Arts and Culture—an institution committed to nurturing creativity and supporting cultural exchange in Majdal Shams.
