Samir Mueller

1959 – 2013, Ain Zhalta

Samir Mueller grew up in a family of pottery artisans, with his Swiss-German grandfather and Lebanese father both being potters. He pursued his studies in ceramics at the Institut des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse, France, and further honed his skills at the Lycée Technique Auguste Renoir in Paris under the guidance of Jean Hury.

Throughout his career, Mueller has shared his knowledge and passion for ceramics by teaching at various institutions, including the University of the Holy Spirit in Kaslik, the Académie Libanaise Des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), and Notre Dame University. He has showcased his artwork in numerous individual and group exhibitions, including prestigious events such as the Salons d'Automne at the Sursock Museum in Beirut, the Sharjah International Biennale of Fine Arts, the Cairo International Biennale of Ceramics, the Zagreb International Triennial of Ceramics in Croatia, and the Centre des Métiers d'Arts in Byblos.

About his Work

In his artistic practice, Samir Mueller departed from traditional pottery and embraced a contemporary mode of expression, disregarding functionality and focusing on pure visual pleasure. He transformed clay into a canvas, using engobe as pigment and his fingers as brushes. His ceramic paintings feature abstract landscapes, lively figures dancing on globular vases, and urban scenes where human silhouettes traverse the streets of Beirut. Mueller showcases his mastery of both harmonious, almost flawless plasticity and rough textures that highlight the rawness of the material. This demonstrates his command over earth and fire, blurring the line between art and craftsmanship.

A defining characteristic of Mueller's work is the enclosed and inward movement of his vessels. They take the form of fully globular shapes that gracefully curve upwards, culminating in a small opening at the top, no wider than a finger. Muted in color, they evoke the weathered surfaces of rough stones, exuding a sense of secrecy and silence. Like round moons suspended in space, they exude an almost weightless quality, inviting contemplation.

Samar Mogharbel

Guitta Melki