Semaan Khawam

Semaan Khawam [a.k.a. “birdman”] is a Lebanese-Syrian artist currently based in the UK. His work encompasses both painting and sculpture, in addition to graffiti and poetry, that addresses contemporary issues such as migration and identity. Imagery and figuration of birds is prevalent in his work, in reference to his alter ego, and hence his nickname, as birds tend to possess freedoms in movement that human beings do not.

Semaan’s work has been exhibited in Lebanon, Bahrain, Jordan, Germany, France, Italy, New York, Singapore, Taiwan and the UK, in over 30 collective exhibitions.

His most recent activities in the UK include an exhibition in Finch Café and Gallery, London, and an artist residency with the NGO Appetite in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Furthermore, one of his paintings was shortlisted earlier this year at Hastings Museum.