Omar Hamdi

Omar Hamdi, known professionally as Malva, was a celebrated Syrian-born artist whose vibrant and expressive works established him as a leading figure in contemporary impressionism. Born in 1951 in Al-Hasakah, Syria, Hamdi began his artistic career as a graphic artist and art critic for the Syrian press. In 1978, he relocated to Vienna, Austria, where he immersed himself in the rich traditions of European art, eventually becoming a naturalized Austrian citizen.

Malva’s work is defined by bold color palettes and dynamic brushwork, capturing the rhythm and emotion of landscapes, seascapes, and urban scenes from across Europe—including the fields of Provence, the canals of Venice, and the shores of Greece. His artistic style evolved over time, blending impressionist roots with elements of abstract expressionism.

A full-time artist throughout his life, Hamdi was an active member of the General Federation of Austrian Artists and the Künstlerhaus Wien. His paintings have been exhibited internationally, including at the renowned Arnot Gallery in New York, which served as a representative gallery for his work. His art is held in numerous public and private collections around the world, including museums, galleries, ministries of culture, and major financial institutions.

Hamdi’s legacy also lives on through the wide distribution of his work in the form of postcards and posters, reflecting the broad appeal and accessibility of his artistic vision. His paintings, which typically range in value from $5,000 to $20,000, continue to be highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of contemporary impressionism.