Hoxon Gallery in London gladly invites you to Semaan Khawam, an esteemed Syrian-Lebanese artist widely recognized as Birdman, solo exhibition “Birdman Wings & Wheels” from 13 to 30 of July.

Known as Birdman due to his affinity for incorporating avian symbolism into his work. With a diverse artistic repertoire spanning painting, sculpture, graffiti, and poetry, Semaan delves into pressing contemporary themes, including migration and identity. Drawing inspiration from his alter ego, birds become a recurring motif in his art, symbolizing the inherent freedom of movement that humans often long for.

Based between Beirut and London, Semaan’s artistic journey has taken him to various corners of the globe. His profound talent and thought-provoking creations have been showcased in a multitude of exhibitions across Lebanon, Bahrain, Jordan, Berlin, France, Italy, New York, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UK, and more, in over 30 collective shows.

Having achieved remarkable success independently, Semaan pushes for endeavors with fellow artists. One notable project is “Sleeping with the Enemy productions,” an artists’ collective initiative that showcases the power of collaboration and shared artistic vision.

Semaan Khawam’s artistic voice is rooted in his deep understanding of the complexities of human existence. Through his evocative artwork, he explores the multifaceted nature of migration, identity, and societal challenges, provoking introspection and encouraging meaningful dialogue.

Semaan recognizes the transformative power of upcycling as a means of artistic expression. As of 2008, amidst the garbage crisis in Lebanon, he embraced this practice, understanding its importance in addressing environmental challenges and creating a visual dialogue about waste. As the garbage crisis escalated in 2015, he became acutely aware of the state’s failure to find a solution. Fueled by his frustration, he devised what he refers to as a ‘temporary solution’ by recycling and upcycling his own waste and consumption. Specifically, he focuses on non-recyclable materials such as plastic waste, utilizing them to craft sculptures that effectively conceal the garbage within. These sculptures often take the form of bird-figures and are meticulously painted, creating an intricate interplay between beauty and discarded materials.

Semaan’s inaugural collection of upcycled sculptures debuted at the Saleh Barakat Gallery in Beirut in 2018, marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey.

While Semaan acknowledges that other countries may have more established recycling programs, he firmly believes that there is still an overwhelming amount of waste globally. Thus, his sculptures and upcycling practice hold enduring significance, transcending geographical boundaries.

Semaan Khawam’s art is a testament to the transformative potential of creativity and the role artists can play in addressing pressing societal issues. Through his unique fusion of upcycling and sculpture, he not only crafts visually captivating pieces but also imparts a powerful message about the importance of sustainable practices. With every sculpture he creates, Semaan inspires us to reevaluate our relationship with waste and consider the profound impact we can make through mindful consumption and creative innovation.