Mojeb al-Dousari

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Mojeb Abdullah Abdulrazzaq al-Dousari (Arabic: معجب عبدالله عبدالرزاق الدوسري) (b. 1921; d. 1956) was a Kuwaiti influential artist. He is generally considered one of the greatest painters in the history of Kuwait, and is regarded by many artists and academics as the founder of portrait art in the region.^[1]

al-Dousari began his artistic career early. He attended al-Mubarakiya High School, where he studied painting. In 1945, he went to Egypt where he spent five years, after which he gained a diploma in decorative arts. In 1950, he spent two years in England, where he joined the Chelsea School of Art (now known as Chelsea College of Art and Design) and the Liverpool Academy of Arts.^[2]^[3]

In 1943, al-Dousari launched the first ever art gallery in Kuwait. Later, he participated in two other exhibitions in 1951 and 1954.^[4]^[5]

During his short life time, al-Dousari painted almost 300 portraits and landscapes, most of which are deeply rooted in the rich Kuwaiti culture. Most of his works were bought by remarkable figures in Kuwait, including many members of the ruling family.^[6]