Ayyam Gallery is pleased to present a retrospective exhibition with the works of Syrian artist, Leila Nseir.
This retrospective, an homage to Leila following her passing, honors Leila’s legacy and celebrates her contributions to art and feminism. We extend our deepest gratitude to The Samawi Collection and the Barjeel Foundation for their generous support in loaning their impactful pieces. We would also like to thank Ahmad Kasha, and every contributor and lender who helped put this exhibition together.
“Being a woman is my core, but femininity is not.” – Leila Nseir
Historically, women have been both subjects and creators of art, from The Venus of Willendorf to Nefertiti to Tamara De Lempicka and beyond. Reverence for female physicality alongside admiration of qualities traditionally associated with women—courage, victory, and grace—profoundly broadened and challenged prevailing narratives and norms.
Born in the core of the Middle East, Leila Nseir’s art is a vibrant testament to the rich tapestry of her culture. Her art was deeply rooted in humanist concerns and feminist thought, addressing themes of conflict, inequality, and poverty. Nseir’s career was impacted by gender persecution and patriarchal attitudes, both within her close-knit and broader communities. Nseir’s intentional reinterpretation of historical forms demonstrates a distinctive fusion of intimacy, complexity, and human suffering.
