Abu Hamdan is a researcher, filmmaker, artist, and activist who describes himself as a “Private Ear” using sound to shape his artistic practice. Abu Hamdan has conducted sonic investigations in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, France, and the UK, which he conveys through his distinctive aesthetic vision. Together with his team at the newly founded organization Earshot, Abu Hamdan works closely with NGOs such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Defense for Children International, and B’Tselem, Abu Hamdan emphasizes the essential role of the “politics of listening” in his work. His sound pieces resonate with people on the margins of society, including those exposed to war and violence, and have been utilized as concrete legal evidence and advocacy.

Abu Hamdan obtained his PhD in 2017 from Goldsmiths College University of London. He has completed fellowships at the University of Chicago, and at the New School, New York; and a professorship at the J. Gutenberg University, Mainz.

His works have been presented in solo exhibitions at the Munch Museum, Oslo (2025); MUDAM, Luxemburg (2024); Frac Franche Comté, Besançon (2024); Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburg (2023); MUAC, Mexico City (2023); MoMA, New York (2023); Spike Island, Bristol (2023); Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Turin (2022); Sharjah Art Foundation (2022); Kunstverein Nürnberg (2021); Bonniers Konsthall, Stockholm (2021); Secession, Vienna (2020); Towner Eastbourne, UK (2020); Hamburger Bahnhof, Berlin (2019); Institute of Modern Art, Birsbane (2019); Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis (2019); Witte de With, Rotterdam (2019); Chisenhale Gallery, London (2018); Hammer Museum, Los Angeles (2018); Tate Modern Tanks, London (2018); Portikus, Frankfurt (2016); Kunsthalle St Gallen (2015); Van AbbeMuseum, Eindhoven (2013); The Showroom, London (2012); and Casco, Utrecht (2012), among others.