An artist and a Syrian war refugee who believes in creating beauty out of tragedy. Draws from imagination, memory, and from photographic images to tell the stories of war and displacement and of new beginnings. His art is deeply personal, self-taught, and have helped him to heal and find humanity among disasters.
Hopes the viewers will appreciate the fragility of life and realize that behind the statistics of war and the arguments over ideologies there are people, ordinary people, caught in the horror of war; its fears, torments and sorrows. People yearning for understanding and compassion. People wanting a better life and wanting peace.
Influenced by the post-impressionists, especially Van Gogh and Cezanne, and also draws inspiration from Edvard Munch. Like his other great influence Modigliani, Aghiad has developed his own unique style.
Paints predominantly in oils and acrylics but also occasionally in soft pastels and water colors. Was initially drawn to natural scenes and the exquisitely detailed architecture of his beautiful town of Homs in Syria.