Boulos Richa
1928 – 2018, Jdabra
A self-taught sculptor, Boulos Richa was always drawn to forging and smelting. He practiced his craft with great diligence and dedication. He was endlessly fascinated by the material, heating, beating, blazing, hammering, cutting, twisting, chiseling, and assembling it. Nicknamed "Akhwat el-hadid," he was recognized as a master blacksmith throughout the land, possessing extensive knowledge of techniques and methods.
Richa's art was inspired by his surroundings; everything in his environment stimulated his genius, from pebbles to balustrades and other architectural fragments. He had a fondness for engine spare parts, ranging from the most modest to the most valuable cars. He couldn't resist using knocked-about, used objects that had served their time. Richa would reassemble and unite them, giving them new life. His art was deeply rooted in the land and dedicated to themes such as war and peace, freedom and resistance—issues of great relevance in a country like Lebanon.
Through iron, Richa revealed his irresistible need for creation, producing beautiful forms and translating his dreams into poetic art from his anvil, breathing life into his creations.
About his Work
It is rare to find a craftsman who is willing to challenge and discover the limits to which they can extend their craft. It is this curiosity towards life that gives birth to an artist. Richa went beyond simply working with his material; he developed a natural curiosity towards it, allowing him to uncover its true limits, if they even exist.
Richa had a keen perception of form and harmony in modern sculpture, showcasing his clever, humorous, gentle, and intelligent nature through his work. His innate ability and purity of mind allowed him to shine in the world of sculpting.
His artworks were exhibited in various exhibitions in Lebanon, including the Alice Moghaghab Gallery in Beirut and the Brigitte Shehade Gallery in Paris. He was also honored with the Ministry of Education and Fine Arts prize in 1972 and the shield for supporting the South of Lebanon in 1998.
Boulos Richa
Bull, ca. 1965,
Painted iron, 80 x 65 x 40 cm
Nammour Collection