Ezzat Mezher

1947 – 2009, Haret El Nameh

Ezzat Mezher was a prominent Lebanese visual artist, renowned for his skills as a sculptor and painter. He initially studied painting at the workshop of Rashid Wehbe and pursued further education in decoration at the Lebanese University. He then honed his sculpting and painting techniques in Paris under the guidance of esteemed professors such as Albert Zavaro and Roger Chapelain-Midy.

Mezher's artistic career spanned across various domains. He not only contributed to the field of fine arts but also made significant contributions in designing shields, medals, and gardens. His expertise and talent were recognized through numerous academic studies and art books dedicated to his work. He received certificates of appreciation from prestigious institutions including the Lebanese University, the Jarash Festival for Culture and Art, the Beiteddine Festivals, and other esteemed cultural organizations.

Mezher's artistic endeavors were showcased in numerous art exhibitions held in Lebanon, the Arab world, Europe, the United States, and Japan. His sculptures, monuments, and other works can be found adorning public gardens, museums, and various public institutions, leaving a lasting impact on the artistic landscape.

About his Work

Ezzat Mezher’s preferred mediums were stone and marble, although he also ventured into creating works in metal and wood. Through his sculptures, Mezher conveyed his poetic preoccupations, with human freedom serving as a central theme. His artistic process involved keen observation and contemplation, followed by a deliberate simplification and meticulous study of details and shapes.

His mastery of the burin allowed him to give voice to stone, infusing it with profound human emotions. In his quest for artistic expression, Mezher delved deep into the essence of the stone, aiming to unlock its hidden meanings through a dialogue between himself and the rocks. He believed that the rocks called to him, holding secrets that he sought to reveal.

Mezher's sculptures exhibit a sense of fluidity in their lines and cubic textures, embodying a harmonious balance of proportions. While his works lean towards realism upon completion, they also possess an element of abstraction, encapsulating the essence of his subject matter within their artistic limitations.

Ezzat Mezher

Formation, 2001

Stone, 45 x 12 x 12 cm

Loan from the Ezzat Mezher Estate