Aref El Rayess
1928 – 2005, Beirut
Aref El Rayess began his painting journey at the young age of 11 and had his first exhibition in 1948. He lived in Senegal before relocating to Paris, where he studied under renowned artists such as Fernand Léger, André Lhote, Marcelle Marso, and Ossip Zadkine at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. After returning to Lebanon in 1957, he briefly moved to Florence with a scholarship from the Italian government in 1959. However, in 1963, he returned once again to Lebanon.
During the civil war, El Rayess found refuge in Saudi Arabia and served as the art consultant for the city of Jeddah for many years. His artistic talent earned him numerous awards worldwide. He held prestigious positions, including president of the Lebanese Association of Painters and Sculptors, and taught art at both the Lebanese University and the Lebanese American University.
El Rayess's work can be found in various collections across the Arab world, including his former residence in Aley, which now houses the Aref El Rayess Foundation. Known for his passionate and humanistic approach, he embodied these qualities in his art, reflecting his mercurial temperament and unwavering convictions.
About his Work
Aref El Rayess was a highly productive artist known primarily as a painter, but he also ventured into other artistic disciplines such as etching, sculpture, and tapestry. Notably, he received a commission from the Lebanese government to create a tapestry that was presented to the UNESCO Centre in Paris.
His artistic themes revolved extensively around the human condition, exploring its connection to nature and history. El Rayess believed that "Man is a unity that embodies both the means and the goals." Additionally, he delved into abstract sculpture, further expanding his artistic repertoire.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, El Rayess was a political activist who used art as a medium to interpret the tragic events of the Lebanese Civil War. He viewed art as a unifying force that blends love and altruism, seeking continuous liberation throughout life. Sculpture, in particular, held a special place for him, representing silence, worship, serenity, and attentive listening.
Like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings, El Rayess skillfully channeled his art to match his experiences. Each encounter, whether immediate or emotional, found expression through the precise style, medium, and content that best conveyed its essence.
Aref El Rayess
Untitled, 19--
Bronze, 30 x 7 x 7 cm
Nammour Collection