artists A–Z
Joseph Basbous
Born in Rachana, the youngest of three brothers, Joseph Basbous instinctively followed the call of the mallet and chisel, honing his skills since childhood in a family where stone carving came naturally. With remarkable capacity and sensitivity, he initially worked as a stone mason and later assisted his brothers in executing their own artistic endeavors. Joseph Basbous followed the non-figurative path pioneered by Michel Basbous in Lebanon, working with simplicity and guided by his instincts.
Raymond Khawam
Raymond Khawam's expertise spanned the fields of electricity, mechanics, and solar energy. Notably, he held a position of responsibility at Kettaneh establishments, overseeing X-ray installations in the Middle East. His remarkable manual dexterity and creative mind distinguished him in his pursuits.
Hussein Madi
Nature serves as Hussein Madi's primary source of inspiration. He meticulously crafts the entire body of a bird, from beak to wing to tail, using a single, continuous, unwelded metal sheet. Through intricate cutting and bending, he brings these forms to life with impeccable elegance and vibrant energy. This process requires innovative techniques, complex calculations, and meticulous design to fully realize his original vision.
Alfons Philipps
Alfons Philipps worked with a variety of materials, including metal sheets, nails, and branches from oak, olive, and lemon trees. He employed unconventional mediums such as coffee beans and color stones, meticulously collecting, grinding, and preparing them for his paintings. His predominantly abstract works, infused with a touch of surrealism, exuded strength through their concise lines and pure shapes. He often incorporated ready-made objects or natural materials into his creations, further enhancing their distinctive character.
Boulos Richa
A self-taught sculptor, Boulos Richa has always been drawn to forging and smelting. He practiced his craft with great diligence and dedication. He was endlessly fascinated by the material, heating, beating, blazing, hammering, cutting, twisting, chiseling, and assembling it. Nicknamed "Akhwat el-hadid," he was recognized as a master blacksmith throughout the land, possessing extensive knowledge of techniques and methods.
Saloua Raouda Choucair
Saloua Raouda Choucair pioneered abstract art in the Middle East through her paintings, textiles, and interlocking sculptures. She acquired her drawing and painting skills under the guidance of Omar Onsi and Moustafa Farroukh. Choucair furthered her artistic education in Paris, studying sculpture, lithography, and fresco painting at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, and attending the studios of Fernand Léger and Abstract art.
Mouazzez Rawda
Mouazzez Rawda was a dedicated artist, known for her determination and as one of the first female drivers in Beirut. She began studying art at the age of fifty. Rawda actively participated in five Salon d'Automne exhibitions at the Sursock Museum from 1964 to 1968, receiving two prizes. Her sculpture "Hayalissa" was created in stone in Saida after winning the Ministry of Tourism prize for public monuments.
Harout Torossian
Harout Torossian was a Lebanese-Armenian painter and sculptor. He studied at ALBA (Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts) and continued his artistic education at l'École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (Paris) in the sections of painting, engraving, mosaic and fresco from 1956 to 1961.