Mona Sayegh

B. 1957, Ghana

Sayegh pursued her education in Lebanon and obtained a degree in Economics from the American University of Beirut (AUB). She then embarked on a professional career in banking. Despite not having an academic background or university degree in the arts, nor any apprenticeship in manual crafts, Sayegh was exposed to various art forms, including ceramics, through her association with calligrapher and art critic Samir Sayegh. She further honed her knowledge of ceramics in Nathalie Khayat's studio.

Sayegh participated in several collective exhibitions in Lebanon and held her first solo exhibition at the Liwan boutique in Paris in 2013.

About her Work

The work in ceramics by Mona Sayegh originated from the concept of functionality. The exhibited pieces utilize the Raku firing technique, which emphasizes this idea as its results cannot be fully controlled or predicted. The technique's meaning also adds to its significance, as it embodies enjoyment, comfort, and pleasure.

An example of this is the broken and repaired bowl, which reflects the philosophy and art form of Kintsugi from Japanese tradition, dating back five hundred years. Kintsugi involves repairing broken pottery with seams of gold dust and resin or lacquer, thereby highlighting its imperfections and creating a greater sense of beauty. The use of gold accentuates the breakage and repair process, acknowledging it as a part of the object's history. It serves as a metaphor for life, as brokenness becomes an invitation to healing.

Mona Sayegh

Untitled, 20--

Ceramic, 15 x 24 x 19 cm

Loan from the artist