Mario Saba
B. 1962, Tripoli
Mario Saba's journey into the world of art began with his father, who had a passion for painting. He pursued studies in decoration and psychology in Lebanon, as well as architecture and painting in Russia. Throughout his career, he engaged in various fields, including graphic design, advertisement for local TV stations, artistic direction for magazines, and book cover design for multiple publishers in Beirut. He also taught art, basic design, and art installation for movies. Additionally, he excelled in designing artistic settings, backdrops, and scenery for theatrical productions. His talent extended to artistic photography, where he worked on two books for the University of Balamand and participated in numerous general and collective exhibitions.
In 1986, Saba established his own workshop, called "L'Atelier," in Tripoli, where he worked and maintained a permanent showroom. He received the jury prize at the Salon d'Automne of the Nicolas Sursock Museum in 2011.
His personal and collective exhibitions have been held in various locations, including Tripoli, Beirut, London, Dubai, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Paris, Brussels, and Varna (Bulgaria).
About his Work
Saba identified himself as an experimental artist who has explored various techniques and artistic approaches, including painting, photography, and mixed-media installations. Through his art, he aims to express the memories of the Lebanese civil war during the post-conflict period. His works embody the challenges of life and the lingering effects of war, fearlessly questioning our assumptions and leading us away from the ordinary. As a result, his art is both unsettling and captivating.
About The End of The Beginning
This conceptual contemporary installation represents the remnants of a civilization marked by architectural remains. The artwork consists of a mound of objects, including doors, portals, windows, ironworks, furniture such as beds, tables, stools, and chairs, as well as various items such as candles, radios, floppy disks, rope, palettes, paint tubes, brushes, nails, time-worn instruments, an ancient coffer, and an array of tools. These objects appear as if they were the aftermath of a demolition. The pile of burnt remnants symbolizes the destruction of Beirut, an experience that the artist himself has lived through. However, even in their destroyed and dilapidated state, the doors also symbolize openings and gateways towards a new future.
Mario Saba
The End of The Beginning, 2000
Mixed Media, wood, metal…
Loan from the artist’s estate