Houmam Al Sayed,  (b. 1981, Mesyaf, Syria) is a distinguished Syrian visual artist who resides between Spain and Beirut. Renowned for his compelling figurative paintings, Al Sayed skillfully uses oil, ink, and clay to explore the profound complexities of the Middle Eastern human condition. His unique portraits often depict exaggerated, almost childlike figures that embody vulnerability and fragile resilience, delving into themes of isolation, societal tension, and the burdens of human suffering.

Al Sayed’s artistic journey began early, with his first exhibition held at the age of 16 in Latakia, Syria. He pursued formal training at the Sculpture Department of the Institute of Applied Arts in Damascus, graduating in 2003. Shortly thereafter, he gained regional and international recognition through his emotionally charged works showcased in numerous exhibitions. In 2011, following the outbreak of war in Syria, he relocated to Beirut, where his art underwent a transformation, engaging deeply with themes of displacement and identity. Later, he moved to Spain, where he continues to push the boundaries of human experience and psychology, creating works that transcend cultural borders.

Al Sayed’s art critiques the sociopolitical realities of the Arab world. His characters—often distorted and melancholic—symbolize struggles against oppression, stagnation, and the search for individual agency. These figures comment on the illusory nature of resilience, revealing its tendency to unravel into vulnerability, submission, and deception. His pieces have been showcased in prominent galleries and included in prestigious auctions, such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s.