Biography

Obaid Suroor works in a range of mediums, including traditional Emirati fabrics and found objects, to create paintings in dialogue with the natural environment and the architecture of the Emirates.

Suroor’s work has been shown in numerous exhibitions, including 1980–Today: Exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates, the UAE Pavilion, 56th Venice Biennale (2015); Exhibition Center, Ras Al Khaimah (2002, 2003); Sharjah Biennials 4 and 5 (1999, 2001); The UAE in the Eyes of Its Artists, Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation (1998); Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, Jordan (1996); Sharjah Biennials 2 and 3 (1995, 1997); Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh, Dhaka (1995); third GCC Regular Exhibition (1994); third and fifth International Cairo Biennials (1988, 1992); Fine Arts Bazaar, Sharjah Expo (1984); first and second Al Banoosh Exhibitions, Dubai (1983, 1984) and exhibitions in Algeria and Saudi Arabia.

As a founding member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society and head of the Society’s studio in Ras Al Khaimah, he has actively participated in the Society’s exhibition programme since its inception.

Surour holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cairo University (1979). He was born in 1955 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, where he continues to live and work.

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