Thaer Maarouf
B. 1972, Shahba
Thaer Maarouf lives and works in Vienna, Austria. He has a diploma and a Master's degree in Fine Arts from the Lebanese University. From 2002 to 2006, he participated in conferences on painting and sculpture in various regions of Lebanon and attended international academic workshops in France, Spain, and Lebanon.
Since 1959, Thaer Maarouf has exhibited his artworks in numerous solo exhibitions in Lebanon, Kuwait, Spain, and France. He has also participated in various international art festivals in Damascus, Dubai, and Singapore. His work has been featured in collective exhibitions in Dubai, Lebanon, Syria, France, and Austria, and he has held solo exhibitions in Damascus, Lebanon, Singapore, the Philippines, London, the Netherlands, and Austria.
Thaer Maarouf's artworks are held in private collections and museums such as the Farhat Art Museum and the Singapore National Museum. He has received appreciation certificates and awards from several institutions.
About his Work
Maarouf's work is known for its symbolic representation of human rights issues in the Middle East and the challenges faced by displaced populations affected by regional upheaval. His art often takes on a conceptual approach, aiming to critique the absurdity of war and the pervasive culture of consumerism. He explores the human mind's role in perpetuating conflicts driven by trivial interests such as money, power, and control, which erode our sense of humanity.
"Veto" features a round glass table with the U.N. logo, surrounded by five toilet seats. The artwork highlights the undemocratic nature of the "veto decision" where the majority's vote does not hold the final say. Beneath the table, onlookers can see papers with the word "Veto" written in red capital letters. By replacing conference chairs with toilet seats around the United Nations' table, Maarouf explicitly expresses his perspective on this issue. The artwork aims to draw attention to the perceived ineffectiveness of the United Nations, with the word "Veto" becoming a metaphor for its limitations.
Thaer Maarouf
Veto, 2012
Toilet seats, glass table, mixed media, 72 x 300 x 300 cm
Loan from the artist