Marwan Saleh

1950-1999, Kfour el Arabi

"It was a short life, and a long death." These were Marwan Saleh’s last words, a man whose life was cut short but whose artistic legacy continues to shine. Despite living as a struggling artist, he left behind a remarkable body of work that solidifies his status as a great artist. Saleh believed that wood accompanied a person throughout their entire life, from birth to death, making it a noble substance.

Residing in the coastal town of Safra, Saleh devoted himself entirely to the art of wood sculpting. He began his career in carpentry and woodcarving, which laid the foundation for his eventual path as a sculptor. Although his formal education was limited, he possessed a strong passion for reading. The writings of Gebran Khalil Gebran, along with symbolic drawings and paintings, deeply influenced him. His village and his father, Samaan Saleh, a renowned Zajali poet, also played significant roles in shaping his artistic sensibilities. Living in social isolation allowed Saleh to immerse himself in the beauty of nature and its diverse manifestations, whether it be rocks, mountains, snow, or the power of storms. These experiences elevated him to a state of poetic and idealistic contemplation.

Saleh actively participated in group exhibitions and had the honor of showcasing his works in six editions of the Salon d'Automne at the Sursock Museum in Beirut. His posthumous recognition at the museum serves as a testament to his artistic contributions and enduring legacy.

About his Work

Marwan Saleh enjoyed sculpting olive tree wood due to its pronounced veins, which added depth and complexity to his dynamic figurative pieces. However, he also explored the use of blackberry and cedar wood in his artistic practice. His sculptures possess an intimate quality, typically not exceeding a height of forty centimeters. Rejecting straight lines, his works often feature intricate and curvilinear movements.

Saleh firmly asserted that he was not a follower of any particular artistic school. Instead, he embraced the simultaneous influence of two states: consciousness and the unconscious. His sculptures serve as a reflection of his personal vision of humanity and the world, conveying his own anxieties and uncertainties. Through his art, Saleh engaged in a process of introspection and internal contemplation. The human figure holds central importance in his body of work, as it embodies the subject and protagonist. Saleh delved into the realm of contradictory emotions and desires that exist within individuals.

The humanization of carved wood fascinated Saleh, and he dedicated himself to capturing the essence of the human condition in all its multifaceted dimensions and contradictions. His artistic pursuits were driven by the quest for transcendence, elevation, and the unity of existence, drawing inspiration from notable figures such as Gebran, Howayek, and MIchel Basbous.

Mohammad Sakr

Hind Soufi