Bassem Abdelmalak was born in Egypt and immigrated to Canada with his parents in 1992. He graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD) in 2007, and is currently pursuing his lifelong ambition of iconography. Some of his major works include icons in the following Coptic Orthodox Churches in Ontario: St. Mary and St. Joseph, Richmond Hill; St. Paul the Hermit, London; St. Mark’s, St. Mina and St. Kyrillos, Mississauga, St. John the Baptist and St. Elizabeth, Barrie, St. Mina, Kingston, Archangel Michael and St. Tekla in Brampton, and in 2010 the Dome at St. Mark’s, Scarborough.

For most of his works, both church icons and private commissions, Bassem uses oil paint on board. Bassem exhibited artistic ability early in his childhood and was encouraged by his parents to further develop this talent. Having pursued art throughout his adolescent years, it was a natural choice for him to study art in his post-secondary education. It also followed that Bassem would become an iconographer as this career perfectly embodied his artistic ability and strong Christian upbringing. His Coptic background introduced him to many traditional practices, including that of iconography. Bassem has used elements and techniques of iconography throughout the body of his work, particularly in his work with portraits.

For many years, Bassem has been creating portraits that are inspired by his reflections on both the natural world and the fundamentals of Christian iconography. His wood portrait series embodies two elements: making use of both the illusion of wood and the art of iconography, one entailing and vitalizing the other.

The art of iconography has long been Bassem’s identity in the art world. Drawing on his commitment to maintaining the standards of iconography, he felt inspired to transfer some of its techniques to his painting. The flat two-dimensionality found in iconography along with its strict guidelines left no room for artistry but only fulfilled ritual and spiritual practice