Early Life & Passion for Art

Mostafa Gebril was born in 1946 in Basheet, Palestine. He grew up in Gaza until 1966 in a family that deeply appreciated art. His older brother, initially a painter, later pursued engineering, while his parents encouraged him to explore his artistic talent.

From a young age, Gebril experimented with different mediums, drawing on paper, walls, and wood using pencils, watercolors, gouache, wax, Indian ink, and oil paints. His bold and expressive style impressed his teachers, and by the age of 13, his work began reflecting social, cultural, and economic themes.

Artistic Development & First Exhibition

During his secondary school years, Gebril was mentored by the renowned Egyptian artist Moheb Habib Rafael, who further nurtured his passion for art.
At the age of 16, he held his first art exhibition, showcasing his work to teachers, visitors, and admirers. It was a defining moment that marked the beginning of his artistic career.

Academic Excellence & Professional Journey

In 1967, Gebril ranked first among all Arab students applying to the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cairo. He graduated with honors in 1972 from the Photography Department and was immediately offered a teaching position at the faculty. However, he later transitioned to a career in art education in Saudi Arabia.

Artistic Style & Influence

Mostafa Gebril's art is deeply influenced by his Palestinian heritage, cultural identity, and the historical transformations of the Arab world. His work often explores themes of resilience, nostalgia, and human emotion, making his art a reflection of the region's social and political changes.

His style blends realism and expressive abstraction, capturing both physical details and deep emotions within his subjects. He is known for his creative use of Indian ink, oil paints, and mixed media, showcasing a refined mastery that surpasses traditional artistic boundaries.

Gebril draws inspiration from classical Arabic calligraphy, impressionist techniques, and contemporary expressionism. His compositions are characterized by rich textures, intricate details, and a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

His artistic vision aligns with the modern Arab art movement, seamlessly merging traditional symbolism with contemporary techniques. His work offers a unique blend of heritage and innovation, presenting a creative perspective that bridges the past and the present with a renewed artistic spirit.

Achievements & Recognition

Over the years, Gebril participated in numerous exhibitions and earned prestigious awards in Saudi Arabia. His exceptional artistic ability caught the attention of Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal, who once remarked: "You defied the camera."

Beyond paintings, he has designed logos, book covers, and illustrations for various publications.

Exhibitions & Photo Albums

• 2011 – Hopes and Pains – El Sawy Culture Wheel
• 2010 – A Drop of Water for this Flower, José Saramago – El Sawy Culture Wheel
• 2010 – Many Cases for the Sea – Bait Elshaer
• 2010 – Palestinian Revolution - Memories and Photos – El Sawy Culture Wheel
• 2009 – At the Doors of Jerusalem – El Sawy Culture Wheel
• 2009 – Jerusalem as the Capital of Arabian Culture 2009 – Gogan Hall
• 2009 – Gate to Jerusalem – Ahmed Shawki Museum

Current Work & Legacy

Mostafa Gebril resides in Cairo, Egypt, and is currently preparing for new exhibitions locally and internationally. He remains grateful to the esteemed mentors who shaped his artistic journey, including Ezz El-Din Hammoda, Hamed Nada, Hosni Al-Benani, and Mamdouh Ammar.