The Passing of Sami Mohammad, the Sculptor of «Sabra and Shatila» Who Carved the Pain of Humanity

The distinguished Kuwaiti artist and sculptor Sami Muhammad, one of the foremost pioneers of the Kuwaiti and Arab visual arts movement, has passed away after an artistic career spanning more than six decades, during which he left an indelible mark on the world of sculpture and visual arts.

Sami Muhammad’s name is closely associated with works that addressed human issues and concerns, embodying themes of pain, oppression, and freedom. Among his most notable pieces is his famous sculpture “Sabra and Shatila,” which stands as a landmark in his artistic oeuvre, alongside other significant works such as “Hunger,” “The Mother,” and “Boxes.”

Born in Kuwait in 1943, Sami Muhammad began his artistic journey early on and was among the founding members and pioneers of the Kuwaiti visual arts movement. He participated in numerous Arab and international art exhibitions and events, culminating in his participation in the Venice Biennale in 2013, as part of Kuwait’s first-ever appearance at this global event.

The late artist received numerous awards and honors, including the State Encouragement Award in 1999, the Artistic Creativity Award from the Arab Thought Foundation in 2010, and the State Appreciation Award in 2015.

With his passing, Kuwait has lost one of its most prominent artists, but his works will remain, bearing witness to the journey of a sculptor who made the human being and his causes the core material of his art, transforming silent mass into a voice that narrates pain, freedom, and memory.

May God have mercy on Sami Muhammad, who sculpted the pain of humanity, ensuring his name endures in the memory of art.