Blue vase with white flowers (2024) Painting by Bani Mokawas (Svlla)

Born in 1985, in Lattakia, Syria, Bani Mokawas grew up between the vibrant city and the quiet countryside, where a deep connection with art and imagination took root. Spending countless hours in his father’s studio—filled with collectibles, antique objects, and books on art and history—he developed a fascination for drawing, crafting, and storytelling. Rather than following a traditional educational path, he immersed himself in self-learning through observation, experimentation, and a growing library of books. He became increasingly drawn to music, mythology, and anything that could feed his expanding inner world.

In 2006, Bani established his first studio and workshop in the mountainous countryside of Lattakia. There, he began oil painting landscapes in his own style while also working with wood, metal, and other materials. Fascinated by historical re-creation, he often turned to primitive tools and techniques to bring his visions to life. To support himself, he illustrated children’s books, though making a living as an artist in Syria was always a challenge—even in a country rich in cultural heritage. The onset of civil war in 2011 made that struggle increasingly difficult, and in 2022, he reluctantly relocated to the United Arab Emirates, the only viable destination for Syrian artists seeking work abroad.

Now based in the UAE and far from his homeland and original workshop, he continues to focus on oil painting—drawing heavily from memory, nostalgia, and the timeless atmosphere of his past. His work remains deeply rooted in the Syrian landscape and the imaginative universe he cultivated in his youth.

• Nationality: SYRIA
• Date of birth : 1985
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Syrian Artists