Omar Hammad

Omar Hamdi, known professionally as Malva, was a Syrian Kurdish artist born in 1952 in Tell Nayif, Al-Hasakah Governorate, Syria. He began his career as a graphic artist for the Syrian press, where he also contributed articles on art criticism. In 1978, Hamdi relocated to Vienna, Austria, where he continued his artistic pursuits and became a member of the General Federation of Austrian Artists and UNESCO.

Malva's work spanned various mediums, including painting and graphic design, often reflecting themes of exile and cultural identity. His art was showcased in numerous solo exhibitions, notably at the Palffy Palace in Vienna in 1987 and at the Austrian Central Bank in 1989. Internationally, his pieces were exhibited at galleries such as Arnot Gallery in New York and Wally Findlay Galleries in Paris and New York. His works are held in private collections and institutions across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Malva passed away on October 18, 2015, in Vienna. His legacy endures through his evocative artworks that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.