Kanaan Kanaan was born and raised in Amman, Jordan. In 1994, he moved to the United States and settled in Portland. Currently, he is an instructor at Portland State University (PSU) where he teaches courses in interactive media, including Web design and computer graphics.
Mr. Kanaan launched his art career in 1991, studying at the College of Fine Arts at Baghdad University. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Graphic Design from PSU in 1999, and his master’s of Fine Arts program through Warnborough University, Ireland.
Mr. Kanaan’s work has received critical accolades throughout the Pacific Northwest, having been shown in a number of galleries, over seventeen solo and twenty-six exhibitions and festivals national and internationally.
Mr. Kanaan’s work has been a continuation of his personal belief in using art to reach out to others, to heal and make connections. He believes as different as we are in color, ideology or our stands within political or social spectrums, we look beautiful together. His rich artwork pleasing to the eye reflects his message and creates a dialogue anchored in peace and beauty.
