Brahim Zod

B. 1942, Tripoli

Brahim Zod began his artistic journey by studying art technique at the Carmelite School under the guidance of Italian artist Vinancio. He then pursued interior design studies in Beirut in 1966, eventually establishing his career in this field and producing design furniture in his own atelier.

In 1969, Zod collaborated with George Masroua and Jean Dayeh to publish the satirical magazine "Al Sakher," which ran for a year.

Despite the challenges posed by the civil war, Zod demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the art field. In 1977, he opened the art gallery Damo in Antelias, becoming one of the few individuals who continued their artistic endeavors during that tumultuous period. After operating the gallery for over a decade, he closed it in 1988 and shifted his focus back to his furniture atelier while continuing his exploration of wood sculpting.

About his Work

Zod's sculptures encompass a diverse range of styles, reflecting the extensive time he spent developing his craft before presenting his works to the public. According to him, "Wood has not yet revealed its final secret. It is a material brimming with life, and we strive to unveil and explore its mysteries. Wood possesses vitality, and as an artist, you can either work with its natural grain and flow or challenge it, but it will always resist you. Sculpting wood is an act of love. You must strip away its outer layers, immerse it in water to rest and expel insects' food, wax."

After a year of soaking, the wood emerges ready to yield gently to the artist's chisel. Zod's compositions serve as encounters with shapes and colors, allowing for a dynamic narrative that invites viewers to interpret and assign their own names to his creations. Drawing from his extensive experience with Lebanese and foreign timber, Zod strives to convey something new in his work. In the future, he plans to transform some of his pieces into bronze.

Zod's artistic practice demonstrates a profound understanding of wood as a living material, and his sculptures serve as a testament to his passion, innovation, and ongoing exploration within the realm of artistic expression.

Fadl Ziade

Ghassan Zard