Edward Shahda (b.1952, Syria) is a contemporary Syrian painter and sculptor. He began his creative journey in 1968 at the Suheil Ahdab Center in Hama, before joining the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus (1971–1976). He later resided at the Anatoli Klankov Atelier in Russia (1991–1992).
Since 1980, Shahda has participated in several solo and collective exhibitions throughout the Middle East and internationally, including Syria, Russia, Lebanon, Egypt, Dubai, Turkey, the USA, Canada, France, Switzerland, and China. His exhibitions include the China Biennale (2005 and 2008) as well as the Arab World Institute (IMA) exhibition in Paris in 2008.
His work spans acrylic and oil painting, collage, and Chinese ink on rice paper. It is characterized by tension in line and color contrast, with vibrant surfaces, blurred outlines, and loosely defined forms. Predominantly figurative, his practice centers on portraiture and the female figure.
For the artist, the human subject is the core of his work, with color treatment and juxtaposition as key concerns. His figures define space and meaning of place, often bending perspective rules in favor of expressive and dynamic compositions, while incorporating symbolism and mythology alongside contemporary themes.
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