Khaled Akil was born into an artistic family and is the son of established painter Youssef Akil. Born in Aleppo, Syria, Khaled graduated from Beirut Arab University with a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Political Science in 2009. After graduating, as a self-taught artist he sought to discuss the nation’s complexities through his artwork.

Akil boldly examines some of the most difficult issues facing contemporary Middle Eastern society, and in particular, addresses social, political and sexual contradictions. His work is a “hybrid of photography and painting” and is pregnant with layers of ancient scripts and symbols, exemplifying the intricacies of modern-day Syria.

As he was fleeing his nation’s civil war in late 2011 to move to Istanbul, Lahd Gallery announced his premiere at Khaled Akil: The Unmentioned propelling him to the London and International Art Scene.

He is now represented by Janet Rady Fine Arts and his artwork can be found at Barjeel Art Foundation.