Abdulrahman Naanseh

Abdulrahman Naanseh
Titles and Organizations

Adjunct Faculty, School of Art, CVPA

Contact Information

Phone: 703-993-8898
Campus: Fairfax
Building: Art and Design Building
Room 2050
Mail Stop: 1C3
Email: anaanseh@gmu.edu

Biography

Syrian artist Abdulrahman Naanseh, known for his mastery of Arabic calligraphy, learned this craft with guidance from his father, a self-taught calligrapher. 
His dedication and gift led to notable achievements, including exhibitions at the Arneli Art Gallery during the Beit Misk Festival in Beirut and creating murals at Damascus University. In addition, he held solo shows in Syria in 2002 and 2005, showcasing his artistic prowess.

In 2023, Abdulrahman Naanseh held a solo exhibition at the Otto-Schäfer-Museum in Schweinfurt, Germany, as part of The Arabic Cultural Weeks. His work was also added to the Permanent Collection at Durham University-Oriental Museum in London. These accomplishments mark pivotal moments in Naanseh's career, solidifying his global recognition.

In honor of his exceptional talent and commitment to art, Abdulrahman Naanseh was named a fellow by the Artist Protection Fund (APF) and served as the 2022 artist-in-residence at George Mason University's School of Art, where he has continued gaining recognition in the art world with 4 solo displays at venues like Mason Exhibitions Arlington, the Gillespie Gallery of Art, and Fenwick Gallery at George Mason University (GMU).

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Naanseh is an Advisor Officer of the Arabic Calligraphy Club, and works as an Adjunct Professor, teaching courses in Drawing and Arabic Calligraphy at George Mason University's School of Art. Additionally, he was one of the artists of a “Band-Aid” art workshop with Young Marines in Women Veterans United Committee Inc., and another seminar called “Healing by Art with Walter Reed Patients”. These ventures signify his commitment to utilizing art as a catalyst for change and healing in different communities.