Mother Embracing Child in Relief, 1986

Abdul Hay Msallam Zarara (عبد الحي مسلم زرارة), born in 1933 in Al-Dawayima, Palestine, and later based in Jordan, was a prominent artist known for his distinctive painted reliefs and sculptural works. Self-taught, Msallam developed a unique style characterized by vibrant, narrative scenes that often depicted Palestinian folklore, daily life, and collective memory. His technique involved using painted low-relief forms, frequently crafted from materials such as wood and sawdust, resulting in highly tactile, colorful compositions that bridged painting and sculpture.

Msallam’s works have been exhibited in major institutions across the Arab world and internationally, including the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha. His art has also been featured in significant group exhibitions highlighting modern Arab art. At auction, Msallam’s pieces have appeared at leading houses such as Christie’s and Bonhams, with notable sales reflecting growing recognition of his contribution to modern Middle Eastern art. His legacy endures as a chronicler of Palestinian heritage and a key figure in the region’s artistic narrative, remaining influential until his passing in 2020.