Athar Jaber was born from Iraqi parents in Rome, in 1982. He grew up between Rome, Florence, the Netherlands and Antwerp. Moving around a number of countries and cities helped reinforce a sense of belonging that went beyond geographical borders. This notion acted as the framework to his sculptures, in a desire to outline a common human experience across culture and time.

Having been brought up with images of the gulf war, themes such as suffering and violence became inevitable. Meanwhile, growing up in Florence allowed him to develop an understanding of classical sculpture and its quest for ideal beauty. Athar seeks to explore the contrasting conditions of violence and beauty that have played a significant role in his development as an artist.

Recent solo exhibitions include Where Pain Becomes Beauty, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Florence (2015) Works, Galerie Löhrl, Mönchengladbach (2016), while group shows include The Curated Space, Mall Galleries, London (2016), 100 Masterpieces of Modern and Contemporary Arab Art, Institute du Monde Arabe, Paris (2017).

He currently lives and practices his profession as a sculptor and professor of sculpture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.