Fares Alhalabi

Fares is a multidisciplinary artist, printmaker, graphic designer, and bookmaker based in Chicago. Originally from Jaramana, near Damascus, Syria, he developed a passion for the visual arts at an early age, later earning his BFA in Painting & Drawing, and Graphic Design from Damascus University of Fine Arts in 2012.

In 2013, Fares moved to the United States to expand his practice and engage with new artistic communities. His dedication to design, printmaking, and visual storytelling led him to pursue an MFA in Print Media and Visual Communication at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where he graduated in 2024 with the highest distinction, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA each semester. During his graduate studies, he also served as a teaching assistant at SAIC, while refining his own research-driven practice.

Fares’ art reflects his strong belief in the power of visual language to shape cultural memory and collective identity. His work has consistently addressed political and social issues, particularly his support for Syrians’ struggle for freedom. These themes became central to his artistic voice and were recognized with exhibitions in Damascus, Chicago, and New York. Notably, his work was featured in talks and presentations with students at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where it opened dialogue about art, resistance, and human rights.

Alongside his personal practice, Fares is deeply invested in book arts and design. He creates innovative book projects that weave typography, imagery, and material form into immersive visual narratives. His design expertise extends to branding, advertising, digital platforms, and publication design, where he consistently blends technical skill with conceptual depth to produce work that is both impactful and enduring.

With over a decade of experience bridging fine art and design, Fares continues to push creative boundaries, exploring how images, symbols, and typography can function as tools of communication and transformation. His work is a testament to the belief that design is not only about aesthetics but also about amplifying voices, challenging narratives, and shaping new possibilities for cultural expression.

In recognition of his achievements and contributions, Fares received multiple awards and scholarships during his time at SAIC, further affirming his dedication to excellence and innovation in his field.


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