-
Untitled (Woman)
1
One of the thematics that arises in the work of Fayek Dahdouh is the nude woman. The painting “Untitled,” was published in the journal Al Hayat al Tashkilia in a long form interview where Dahdouh speaks philosophically about aesthetics, imagination and gender. The painting is characteristic of his cool palette, vertical brushstrokes and female figures.
-
Untitled
2
Well-known for his portraiture, the expressionist work of Safwat Abbas Fahmy gives viewers a feeling of drama. In “Untitled” the figure is composed at the bottom of the canvas with halo-like colors around his darkened head, while the white paint above him is crisscrossed, energetically layered by a thick brush
-
Cana ou la conscience du monde
3
“Cana ou la conscience du monde” or “Cana where the conscious of the world” was made by Mona Trad Dabaji in memorial to the massacre that was committed by the Israeli army in Cana, Lebanon in 1996. Painted with her classic outlines and almost flat background, the work is emblematic of the artist while addressing the atrocity of the time. It was included in the benefit exhibition “Qana wedding” for the victims.
-
The Innocents
4
Considered one of the leading modern Egyptian artists, Gazbia Sirry’s career spans over 50 years and is characterized by an extraordinary versatility, emotional expression and use of color with vivid and bold brushstrokes. One of the most important aspects of her work is her ongoing commitment to social and political commentary. As a memorial to the Cana Massacre in South Lebanon, “The Innocents,” has a fluidity in its gestural lines that could evoke movements in a group of people
-
The Kite
5
Referencing religious symbols, mythology, philosophy and popular iconography, Elias Zayat is known for his dramatic portraiture and expressive figures. In “The Kite”, delineating lines, blocks of color and the kneeling figure might be seen as referencing the church and its stained glass.
-
Untitled
6
Integrating folktales and imagery from North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, Mohamed Abla has a unique talent for storytelling, while commenting on the social and political situations of the past and present. Aiming to engage his audiences, Abla feels that art is the key to bringing cultural and environmental awareness to people. In "Untitled," Abla narrates the story of the city with his bustling figures and urban architecture.
-
Untitled
7
Jaber Alwan’s work addresses the human condition, conflicts in his homeland and icons of Iraqi culture such as the late Dia Majeed, and the 20th-century poet, Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri. Typical of the artist’s penetrating dark palette and surreal colors, “Untitled” displays the artist’s characteristic thick, almost sculptural, brushwork which accentuates the drama of the figure inside the interior scene. The features on the face have a neutral expression, with the color symbolism, body motion and other elements inferring the work’s intent.
-
Untitled
8
Jaber Alwan’s work addresses the human condition, conflicts in his homeland and icons of Iraqi culture such as the late Dia Majeed, and the 20th-century poet, Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri. Typical of the artist’s penetrating dark palette and surreal colors, “Untitled” displays the artist’s characteristic thick, almost sculptural, brushwork that accentuates the drama of the scene. The black silhouetted figure, possibly a self portrait of the artist, is in contrast with the colorful canvas he is painting.
-
The Earth
9
During his studies and travels, artist Moussa Tiba experimented with a variety of subject matter and mediums. In the early 1970s, he resolutely turned towards abstraction and warmer colors. The geometric shapes, squares and straight lines took over his canvases, as seen in “The Earth”. Some interpret his work as having sexual overtones, the unity of a man and woman, the forms and colors colliding together while the classic bodies are stripped of their traditional lines and curves.
-
Orient of Ashes
10
Featuring arabesque concepts, Abdullah Murad’s paintings and drawings are deeply influenced by the fauvist colors and the abstract expressionist movement. His paintings expose layers of details varying from transparent to thick impasto while using the mixture of media textures: newspaper collages, and cut-outs, as seen in the “Orient of Ashes.” This work is in the same series or possibly even created as a diptych to” The Master of Game”.
-
Master of the game
11
Featuring arabesque concepts, Abdullah Murad’s paintings and drawings are deeply influenced by the fauvist colors and the abstract expressionist movement. His paintings expose layers of details varying from transparent to thick impasto while using the mixture of media textures: newspaper collages and cut-outs, as seen in the “Master of the Game.” This work is in the same series or possibly even created as a diptych to “Orient of Ashes.”
-
Untitled
12
Iraqi artist, architect and academic Maath Alousi paints dark and expressionist works with broad brushstrokes like in “Untitled.” This work of an almost obscured face, with blurred outlines has a bright red circular mouth as a focal point, popping through the dark wash of layers.
-
Homage to Naji al-Ali
13
Rakan Alyousif uses the image of Handala, an icon of Palestinian defiance, from the well-known Palestinian cartoonist and political critic, Naji al-Ali. The drawing emulates the original cartoon with the addition of graphic elements, possibly a map of Palestine, that Handala appears to be assembling together.
-
Untitled
14
Known for the boldness in his work coupled with political and social commentary, Hassan Jouni’s pieces depict subject matter that is both lyrical and narrative. His usage of color is expressive of inner emotions or possibly symbolic in meaning. The strong figure in the foreground raises his arm high while the sun rises behind him. Further evoking the idea of rebirth are the figures emerging from their tombs or rafts. Bathed in warm colors from the light of the sun, they feel as if they are stepping into the dawn of a new era.
-
Untitled
15
Between abstraction and figuration, Nazli Madkour’s paintings are inspired by nature and often feature Egyptian women. Exploring form through the thick applications of paint, she creates pieces that are textured and layered like in “Untitled” where she uses deep earth tones.
-
Untitled
16
Influenced by architectural drawings, Ali el-Ghul began experimenting with different inks and paints on silk. Skillfully bleeding the paints into each other, they form translucent layers. In “Untitled” the paint shapes the organic form of a figure in an abstract plane.
-
Untitled
17
Influenced by architectural drawings, Ali el-Ghul began experimenting with different inks and paints on silk. Skillfully bleeding the paints into each other, they form translucent layers in “Untitled”, the forms are then outlined, presenting a dream-like image of a ghost and a flower.
-
Untitled
18
Influenced by architectural drawings, Ali el-Ghul began experimenting with different inks and paints on silk. Skillfully bleeding the paints into each other, they form translucent layers that serve as compositional elements in “Untitled” in contrast to the defined figures in an architectural space.
-
Untitled
19
Expressionist Mohsen Shalaan unleashed his emotion through oil paint, ink and pencils combining symbols and folkloric myths to ultimately create a surrealist experience. Reminding viewers of a film scene where the main character has a memory or flashback “Untitled” might serve as way to relate to our own nostalgia.
-
Untitled
20
Influenced from her communist politician father and her mother’s strong character, Hala al-Faisal’s life and art has been influenced by leftist politics, women’s rights and her own determination. She devoted a major portion of her artistic production to women as a direct result of her childhood environment. The work “Untitled” depicts a woman painting on a canvas, in a possible self-portrait of the artist, herself.
-
Untitled
21
Known for his figurative works, Wajih Wahba paints with a gestural hand. Smooth flowing brush strokes of velvety colors give his work a rich tonality like in “Untitled.” His expressionist style imbues emotion and the figures look as if they are deep in conversation.
-
Untitled
22
Characterized by a strong combination of impressionism and nativism with distinct Egyptian motifs, Gameel Shafik’s romantic and poetic work focuses on a central form with few surrounding details. His pictures often reveal reoccurring themes: the struggle between good and evil, animals as symbols of fertility; as well as relationships and the external forces that effect them. In “Untitled” the solid form of the woman holds a fish, a symbol which represents the good forces in the world.
-
Untitled
23
Following the Hama Massacre of 1981, Khouzayma Alwani’s work revolved around the dramatic depiction of monsters and beasts, an allusion to humanity with all of its injustice and the Syrian society in a state of devastation. Similar to “Untitled” each work has a painted border or a frame whose color is the same as the character or action in the center. Often the monster-like figures expand beyond or escape their borders. In this work, the figure screams and raises his arms, overwhelmed by the rough sea.
-
Untitled
24
Following the Hama Massacre of 1981, Khouzayma Alwany’s work revolved around the dramatic depiction of monsters and beasts, an allusion to humanity with all of its injustice and the Syrian society in a state of devastation. Similar to “Untitled” each work has a painted border or a frame whose color is the same as the character or action in the center. Often the monster-like figures expand beyond or escape their borders. In this work, a warrior-like bird-headed figure stands with hanging genitals, a sword on his belt and snake in his hand - symbols of masculinity, virility and conquest.
-
Untitled (embrace)
25
Inspired from her ancestral roots in Southern Lebanon, the Arab revolutions and women rights, Soha Sabbagh feels that her work both reflects a part of broader society while expressing her own emotions. In this intimate painting, a woman embraces the outline of a man that is abstracted with broad strokes. The viewer focuses on her face in the center of the canvas. Her eyes are closed, seemingly with contentment.
-
Untitled
26
Part of the Egyptian “Third Generation Art Movement” Fatma Arargi worked on defining Egyptian identity in art through heritage and the ongoing political and social changes from the 1950s onward. "Untitled" touches on her thematic of social change and populist movements like the intifada. Here, the group of individual figures carrying stones above their heads merges into collective power pushing forward through their struggles.
-
Untitled
27
Central to Radwan’s imagery is a collection of faces, as seen in this painting. The gestural light lines are contrasted with splashes of color, most prominently the reddish color that shapes the lips of each figure.
In his interviews, he talks at length about the female form and the influence it has in his work: “Femininity is the source of all the forces of life… and the woman is embodied in various aesthetic and life situations …”
-
Gaza
28
Depicting the Palestinian plight, Ahed Izhiman works in both photography and illustration. In this symbolic illustration entitled “Gaza”, the detailed and intricately drawn lines show a young girl behind the apartheid wall releasing doves with her long hair swirling around the picture.
-
Adoration
29
Youssef Howayek’s sculptural work, murals, paintings are classically rendered and the subject matter is generally figurative, ranging from nudes to religious subjects. He has been praised for his natural depiction of women as seen in “Adoration”.
-
Untitled (Watermelon Eaters)
30
Known for the boldness in his work coupled with political and social commentary, Hassan Jouni’s pieces depict subject matter that is both lyrical and narrative. His usage of color is expressive of inner emotions or possibly symbolic in meaning. In Untitled (Watermelon Eaters), the energetic brushstrokes portray the joyous moment of three men vigorously eating watermelon.
-
Untitled (Antarah)
31
Inspired by Western expressionism and affected by cultural and social issues around him, Rafic Charaf was sensitive to both the human struggle and issues within Lebanon. Throughout many phases in his career, he painted subjects such as the folk hero, landscapes and calligraphy. In this work, Charaf paints Antarah, the hero of a folk tale. It is rumored that he used the face of a famous Robin Hood-like figure from Baalbeck.
-
Sur le passé: la paix
32
Classically trained Édouard Trémeau’s work is masterfully executed using dramatic lights and shadows. He took part in various collectives that denounced forms of political oppression and inequalities, traces of which can be found in his work, exuding anguish, solitude, confinement and ruin. In this work, the print is akin to a diptych with a man turned away, coupled with the touristic depiction of Baalbeck, Lebanon. The editioned print is titled “Sur le passé: la paix” (On the pass: peace) while in a retrospective exhibition publication, the same edition is called “Liban: paix retrouvee” (Lebanon: Peace Found).
Limited Edition Print 49/80
-
Untitled (Sunbather)
33
Cremonini’s poetic summertime figures and landscapes appear both timeless and yet like a photo, taken at a distinct moment. The colors and brushstrokes blend the bodies and the landscape together and the unique light-filled compositions have a geometric quality to them. In this black and white print, the sunbather melts into her surroundings which were created with points and hash marks.
Limited Edition Print 10/200
-
Story of Antar and Abla
34
Known for his spectacular visual storytelling, Al Tinawi was fascinated by traditional verses and folk epics such as the black warrior-poet, Antar, and his love, Abla. Painting using the reverse glass technique, he used bright colors and flat-outlined representations of characters, bringing popular tales to life.
-
Abla bint Malek
35
Known for his spectacular visual storytelling, Al Tinawi was fascinated by traditional verses and folk epics such as the black warrior-poet, Antar, and his love, Abla. Painting using the reverse glass technique, he used bright colors and flat-outlined representations of characters, bringing popular tales to life.
-
Antarah ibn Shaddad Al Absi
36
Known for his spectacular visual storytelling, Al Tinawi was fascinated by traditional verses and folk epics such as the black warrior-poet, Antar, and his love, Abla. Painting using the reverse glass technique, he used bright colors and flat-outlined representations of characters, bringing popular tales to life.
-
Untitled
37
Painting expressive forms and colors, Assem Sharaf symbolically uses yellow to refer to earth & aggression while blue means serene & calm. In this work, a narrative emerges as his figures interact and gesture in a natural, instinctual way. Painted with intuitive yet controlled brushstrokes, the poetic compositions seem to explore the depths of the unconscious self and its primal urges.
-
Ally
38
Well-known for comic illustrations and portrait paintings, Omar Khouri’s work touches on the complicated and layered psychology of the individual in society. Inspired by sci-fi, this work is part of a series that depicts deep space with its dramatic events, as well as reflecting the dark part of the human mind.
-
Plastic Love
39
Well-known for comic illustrations and portrait paintings, Omar Khouri’s work touches on the complicated and layered psychology of the individual in society. Inspired by sci-fi, this work is part of a series that depicts deep space with its dramatic events, as well as reflecting the dark part of the human mind.
-
Memento Mori
40
Drawing inspiration from her native Beirut, Zena Assi’s work portrays the socio-cultural aspects and intense emotions of contemporary urban society such as migration and memory. Inspired by Goya in his depiction of suffering, Assi illustrates the corruption-made humanitarian crisis facing present-day Lebanon. In Memento Mori, she depicts an exhausted over-burdened woman, sitting next to a skeleton. An age-old artistic reference to the inevitability of death, Assi gives a contemporary and local twist on this classic depiction, adding layers of meaning both symbolically and literally with the collaged mixed media.
-
Martyr
41
Drawing inspiration from her native Beirut, Zena Assi’s work portrays the socio-cultural aspects and intense emotions of contemporary urban society such as migration and memory. Using collaged mixed media, Assi illustrates the corruption-made humanitarian crisis facing present-day Lebanon. Inspired from street art and poster-like memorials “Martyr” questions what images of the dead mean to the living, influencing choices and affecting obligations.
-
Buy or Sell
42
Drawing inspiration from her native Beirut, Zena Assi’s work portrays the socio-cultural aspects and intense emotions of contemporary urban society such as migration and memory. Using collaged mixed media, Assi illustrates the corruption-made humanitarian crisis facing present-day Lebanon. Filled with symbolism, “Buy or Sell” has a woman struggling with her head barely above water emphasizing that life still goes on even through the chaotic humanitarian situation.
-
Portrait with a Pink Scarf
43
Although Zena Assi frequently depicts figures, this portrait where she draws from life, is unique to her oeuvre. Capturing an essence of the person from the background, posture, or expression, she also dresses them in a cityscape, as if they are wearing the city’s “urban fabric.”
-
Portrait with IKEA Orange Lamp
44
Although Zena Assi frequently depicts figures, this portrait where she draws from life, is unique to her oeuvre. Capturing an essence of the person from the background, posture, or expression, she also dresses them in a cityscape, as if they are wearing the city’s “urban fabric.”
-
Expecting
45
Using inks and pens, Fadi Balhawan fervently transcribes well-known books in Arab literature or spiritual writings such as the Confessions of St. Augustine. Creating lines that flow in all directions, the text forms shapes, patterns, and figures with highlighting washes. Akin to concrete poetry, the words and shapes reinforce each other in their meaning and symbolism.
-
Assaad w Joudeh
46
Blending elements from Syrian folklore and Western art, Al Maari’s work captures familiar Damascus characters and scenes, with a carefully formed simplicity. Using pencil and Chinese ink, he renders much of his work in black and white, acknowledging his early days, printmaking at university. Colors in acrylics and mixed media occasionally enter his work creating thoughtful impact like with these two characters “Assaad w Joudeh,” based on a popular satirical series called “Day3a Daay3a.”
-
Gafnoho
47
Egyptian artist Helmi Eltouni is well known for his playful visual narratives, symbolic iconography and stylistic outlined figures painted in vibrant colors. Working with themes from Egyptian folklore and heritage, he also addresses current social issues. In “Gafnoho,” he is referencing the song by Abdel Wahab, where he is struck by her beautiful eyes.
-
Untitled
48
Lebanese artist Melissa Chalhoub is known for her expressive drawing style. Using fine-lined inks, she draws mostly in black and white with a few bright colors. The reoccurring figure in her work has been a constant subject since her childhood. It appears alone or in crowds, bending and curving, sometimes in a heightened state of emotion or situated in a scene. Abound in symbolism, like in “Untitled” her work leaves the interpretation open, making the meaning of the work individual to every viewer.
-
Untitled
49
Lebanese artist Melissa Chalhoub is known for her expressive drawing style. Using fine-lined inks, she draws mostly in black and white with a few bright colors. The reoccurring figure in her work has been a constant subject since her childhood. It appears alone or in crowds, bending and curving, sometimes in a heightened state of emotion or situated in a scene. Abound in symbolism, like in “Untitled” her work leaves the interpretation open, making the meaning of the work individual to every viewer.
-
Untitled
50
Lebanese artist Melissa Chalhoub is known for her expressive drawing style. Using fine-lined inks, she draws mostly in black and white with a few bright colors. The reoccurring figure in her work has been a constant subject since her childhood. It appears alone or in crowds, bending and curving, sometimes in a heightened state of emotion or situated in a scene. Abound in symbolism, like in “Untitled” her work leaves the interpretation open, making the meaning of the work individual to every viewer.
-
Untitled
51
Lebanese artist Melissa Chalhoub is known for her expressive drawing style. Using fine-lined inks, she draws mostly in black and white with a few bright colors. The reoccurring figure in her work has been a constant subject since her childhood. It appears alone or in crowds, bending and curving, sometimes in a heightened state of emotion or situated in a scene. Abound in symbolism, like in “Untitled” her work leaves the interpretation open, making the meaning of the work individual to every viewer.
-
Untitled
52
Lebanese artist Melissa Chalhoub is known for her expressive drawing style. Using fine-lined inks, she draws mostly in black and white with a few bright colors. The reoccurring figure in her work has been a constant subject since her childhood. It appears alone or in crowds, bending and curving, sometimes in a heightened state of emotion or situated in a scene. Abound in symbolism, like in “Untitled” her work leaves the interpretation open, making the meaning of the work individual to every viewer.
