Mohammad Sakr

1935-1979, Beirut

Mohammad Darwish Sakr was born into a modest family. He relied on fishing and diving for his livelihood. Eventually, he opened a small carpentry shop near the old minaret of Beirut, where he crafted frames and canvases for painters. Over time, he began to paint self-portraits, spurred on by the encouragement of one of his customers, the renowned French artist George Cyr. Later, Helen Khal took Sakr under her wing and showcased his artwork at Gallery One. The German community in Ras Beirut also provided support, urging the spirited and talented artist next door to exhibit his work at the Goethe Institute.

About his Work

Mohammad Sakr's paintings primarily focus on abstract compositions, often exploring various shades of blue reminiscent of the sea, which held a special place in his heart due to his extensive time spent there. His underwater experiences while diving for seashells also influenced his artistic expression. The color of the sea became a profound source of inspiration and calling for him.

While Sakr had a mastery of wood carving, he only created three wooden sculptures throughout his lifetime. He primarily viewed wood as a medium for supporting his canvases rather than as a means of artistic expression.

Mohammad Sakr

Head, 1962

Wood, 33 x 14 x 13 cm

Nammour Collection