Ghassan Christo Saba
B. 1963, Tripoli
Ghassan Christo Saba grew up in an artistic family, with his father being a painter and his uncle a musician. However, it was his brother Mario, one of Lebanon's pioneering experimental artists, who had the greatest influence on him.
During the Israeli occupation in 1982, Saba's father encouraged him to study abroad, leading him to East Germany at the time. There, he pursued dentistry and eventually returned to Lebanon to practice his profession. The untimely passing of his brother Mario later motivated Ghassan to reconnect with art and carry on his brother's artistic legacy.
Currently residing in Tripoli, Saba not only operates his metal workshop but also established "Kahwati," a coffee shop that serves as a social hub for young creative individuals.
Saba's artwork is largely a continuation of his late brother's style. Drawing inspiration from Tripoli's history and artistic heritage, he taps into the rich historical background of his hometown for his artistic creations. The scenes depicted in his artwork are influenced by Tripoli's past.
Those familiar with him describe Ghassan Christo Saba as a natural rebel with a strong desire to effect positive societal change, constantly seeking to challenge conventional norms and break the boundaries of tradition.
About his Work
The Arab Human Condition is an installation comprised of metal rods, bars, iron fences, machine guns, and an abundance of bullets. It features the depiction of a screaming face of a drowned human being, with hollow eyes, a wide-open mouth, and an outstretched hand, all emerging amidst a barrage of bullets within a confined space enclosed by iron fencing, forming an iconic shape.
This thought-provoking installation was awarded the first prize in MACAM's 'Age of Iron' sculpture competition in 2015, recognizing its powerful portrayal and interpretation of the distressing Arab human condition.
Ghassan Christo Saba
The Arab Human Condition, 2015
Iron and mixed media
MACAM collection, donation from the artist