Biography

Rana Hatmal
Artist / Architect
Montreal, Canada
Email: ranhatmal@yahoo.com

Visual Artist & Architect, Academic Researcher

About / Biography

Rana Hatmal is an architect, academic researcher, and visual artist whose creative practice lies at the intersection of spatial theory, computational semiotics, and fine art. Holding a Ph.D. in Architectural Design from Damascus University and currently pursuing doctoral studies in Semiology at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), her work bridges rigorous architectural methodology with nuanced artistic expression.

Her experience as an architect directly influences the structural construction and spatial composition of her paintings. Utilizing a minimalist yet expressive approach to space, her art explores the balance between physical structure and thematic depth. Her work frequently juxtaposes complementarity and contrast in both subject matter and color palette—a duality rooted in ancient Eastern philosophy, cultural memory, and inherited human experience.

Through themes of Duality, Freedom, and Migration, Rana explores the continuous transformation of identity and place across geographic and cultural transitions.

Professional & Academic Focus

  • Fine Arts: Visual Artist / Painter with an international exhibition history across North America, the Middle East, and Europe.

  • Academic & Research: PhD in Architectural Design; Doctoral Candidate in Semiology (UQAM); Lecturer / Assistant Professor in Architecture; Academic Researcher specializing in algorithmic architecture and semiotic frameworks.

  • Architectural Practice: Architect (Design, Management & Coordination); Universal Accessibility Consultant; Specialist in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Selected Exhibitions

Solo & Dual Exhibitions

  • 2025 — Messages (Dual Exhibition with Mohammad AbdElhady), Nout Art Gallery, Cairo, Egypt

  • 2017 (Nov) — Solo Exhibition, Isabel Bader Theatre, Festival of Arabic Music and Arts, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2016 (May) — Solo Exhibition, L’irrégulier, Beirut, Lebanon

  • 2007 (Jul) — Rana & Alfred Hatmal, Khan Assaad Basha, Old Damascus, Syria

Group Exhibitions

  • 2022 (Jan) — Daughters of Hathor, Women’s International Exhibition, Luxor, Egypt

  • 2021 (Aug) — Fierté Montréal, Gallea Art, Montreal, QC, Canada

  • 2018 (Aug) — The Iraqi Festival Toronto, Meadowvale Theatre, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2017 (Oct) — Perspective Carrière, Laval, QC, Canada

  • 2017 (Sep) — La Maison de la Syrie, Écomusée du fier monde, Montreal, QC, Canada

  • 2017 (May) — Full of Hope, Areej Art Gallery, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2014 (Apr) — The Last Supper: Syrian Artists, The Venue, Beirut, Lebanon

  • 2014 (Jan) — Art-Lab Gallery, Gemmayzeh, Beirut, Lebanon

  • 2013 (Oct) — Syria Contemporary Art Fair, Atrium, Beirut, Lebanon

  • 2013 (Jul) — Zaman Art Gallery, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon

  • 2011 (Mar) — Al-Shaab Gallery, Damascus, Syria

  • 2010 (May) — Artists from Mediterranean Countries, Syrian Cultural Centre, Paris, France

  • 2009 (Aug) — Arabian Artists, Rafia Gallery, Damascus, Syria

  • 2000 (Jun) — The Second Arabian Architectural Projects Fair, Lebanese University – Fine Arts Institute, Beirut, Lebanon