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Lebanon’s rich cultural history, its resilient spirit, and its complex political landscape have all contributed to an exceptional artistic scene. With its diverse art forms, from contemporary and traditional visual arts to experimental and conceptual works, Lebanon continues to produce artists whose works resonate globally. As we move into 2025, here are 10 Lebanese artists whose work is not only thought-provoking but also deserving of your attention and support. Batoul Yaghi Lebanese self-taught abstract impressionist Batoul Yaghi has carved a niche for herself with her unique “Mind-scapes” series—visual representations of intricate thought processes. Living across Beirut, London, Miami, and Dubai, Yaghi draws on diverse influences, blending bold lines with delicate details. Her large-scale canvases balance spontaneity with precision, reflecting both light and dark emotions. Rooted in the 20th-century ethos of art emerging from within rather than focusing on external subjects, her work captivates collectors worldwide, with pieces featured in Australia, Hong Kong, Miami, and the Middle East. Yaghi’s art embodies purposeful complexity, offering aesthetic blueprints of mental landscapes that resonate with a global audience. Ali Cherri Ali Cherri (b. 1976, Beirut), a Paris-based artist, delves into the intersections of political violence, cultural artifacts, and landscapes through film, sculpture, and installations. Emerging from Beirut’s postwar art scene, his work reimagines discarded artifacts as hybrid creations, critiquing archaeology’s colonial legacies. Cherri’s acclaimed films, including *The Dam* (2022) and *The Watchman* (2023), explore landscapes shaped by trauma, earning him the Silver Lion at the 59th Venice Biennale. His recent exhibitions, *Dreamless Night* (2023) and *Envisagement* (2024), fuse monumental sculptures with historical narratives, reflecting on humanity’s fragility and civilization’s destructive patterns. Through art, Cherri crafts a poignant dialogue on impermanence and the enduring impact of violence. Andre Kalfayan Born in Byblos to Armenian parents, Andre Kalfayan is renowned for his evocative paintings of antique doors, windows, and balconies that capture the essence of Lebanese, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean heritage. His unique technique blends earthy tones with tools like blades, pins, and brushes, creating a distinctive style instantly recognizable as his own. Kalfayan’s works resonate deeply with audiences, bridging personal and universal experiences. A recipient of the 2018 BIAF award for Best Lebanese Artist, his artistry has earned accolades from esteemed institutions and publications worldwide. Tagreed Darghouth Lebanese artist Tagreed Darghouth (b. 1979, Saida) explores themes of humanity's fragility and socio-political issues. Educated in painting and Space Art in Lebanon and Paris, she transitioned to full-time art in 2007. Her works address diverse topics, from the violence of the 2006 Lebanon War in *Falling Parts* to societal beauty standards in *Mirror Mirror!* (2008) and racial dynamics in *Fair and Lovely* (2010). Later, her series *Canticles of Death* (2011) tackled mortality and war, using skulls and nuclear explosions to juxtapose life and destruction. In *The Vision Machine* (2015), Darghouth critiqued surveillance culture with impasto renderings of drones and cameras. Her layered techniques, earthy tones, and dynamic strokes evoke both control and spontaneity, making her work a compelling exploration of human vulnerability and global conflict. Nabil Nahas Lebanese-American artist Nabil Nahas (b. 1949, Beirut) is renowned for his vivid, textured paintings that blend geometry and nature. After earning an MFA from Yale in 1972, he settled in New York, later drawing inspiration from Lebanon’s iconic trees—cedars, olives, and palms—after a 1993 visit to his homeland. Nahas’s works, including cosmic "Constellation" series and tree portraits, have been exhibited globally, such as at the São Paulo Bienal (2002), *Glasstress* Venice (2011), and Château La Coste, France (2023). His art is featured in major institutions like The MET, Tate Modern, and Mathaf Doha. From his early solo show at Robert Miller Gallery (1977) to his ongoing exhibitions with Sperone Westwater, Nahas continues to merge cultural heritage with universal natural motifs. Charles Khoury Born in Beirut in 1966, Charles Khoury is a contemporary artist whose work reflects the turbulence of Lebanon’s history and his personal journey of discovery. A graduate of the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts, with a specialization in lithography, Khoury launched his career in 1989. He has exhibited widely across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, earning accolades such as the “Special Jury Award” from Beirut’s Nicolas Sursock Museum (2008) and a residency at Morocco’s Lithography Workshop (2013). Inspired by artists like Kandinsky, Klee, and Picasso, Khoury’s early works expressed the haunting "demons" of war. Over time, his art transitioned to depict a euphoric world intertwined with the animal kingdom, reflecting his hopes for humanity. With exhibitions in France, Lebanon, the UK, and more, Khoury remains a vital voice in the post-war Lebanese art scene. Alfred Tarazi Born in Beirut in 1980, Alfred Tarazi is a multidisciplinary artist known for his exploration of Lebanon’s Civil War through painting, photography, drawing, digital collage, sculpture, and installation. A graduate of the American University of Beirut, Tarazi’s work has been exhibited internationally, including at Galerie Krinzinger in Vienna, where he held two solo shows. Tarazi’s art investigates the complex history of Lebanon, focusing on the Lebanese Civil War's enduring impact. He uses various visual strategies to uncover fields of memory, probing selective archival practices and interrogating the Lebanese obsession with history. His work represents the past not as a restoration but as fragmented anomalies, blending fiction and history to reflect war’s ongoing presence in the present. His approach is both political and personal, creating a "laboratory" for examining the construction of memory and identity. Jad El Khoury Jad El Khoury is an architect and visual artist whose work engages with public space to encourage audiences to rethink their familiar realities. His artistic practice is deeply influenced by ecological sensitivity, politics, architecture, and heritage, aiming to heal through site-specific installations and socially engaged projects. After completing his master's degree in architecture at Lebanese University, Jad focused on the war traces found on Lebanon's buildings, transforming them into poetic installations that challenge sectarianism. His 2018 project *Burj El Hawa* marked a significant moment in his exploration of war’s physical and emotional scars. In 2020, he moved to Oslo to pursue a Master’s in Art and Public Space at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, graduating in 2022. His work has been showcased internationally, earning accolades such as the Institute of Public Art Award and the Arte Laguna Prize for Urban and Land Art. Currently, he is in residence at Rådhuset i Oslo until 2024. Chafa Ghaddar Chafa Ghaddar, a Lebanese artist based in Dubai, graduated from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 2007 and a Master’s in Visual Arts in 2009. She further honed her skills in fresco and traditional painting techniques in Florence, Italy, in 2012. Specializing in wall painting and surface finishing, Ghaddar explores fresco in contemporary contexts and works across murals, painting, drawing, photography, and mixed media. Her site-specific and public art projects have been showcased in cities like Beirut, Dubai, New York, Brussels, and Verona. In 2014, she won the Boghossian Art Prize for painting, and in 2015, she was an artist-in-residence at Villa Empain in Brussels. Her solo exhibitions include “The Visit” at Galerie Tanit, Beirut (2018), and “Cacti in a Daydream” (2021). In 2018/2019, she was part of Tashkeel Studio’s Critical Practice Program and presented “Recesses” in her first UAE solo show. Ghaddar was also commissioned to create a site-specific work for the 16th Lyon Biennale, curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath. Nathalie Khayat Nathalie Khayat (b.1966) is a Lebanese ceramist known for her sculptural works that bridge the poetic and functional. Creating pieces that range from decorative to utilitarian, Khayat’s deconstructed vessels engage in a dialogue with the clay, reflecting a journey from inner silence to exterior landscapes, and from stillness to movement. Her work has been exhibited internationally at Agial Gallery, Beirut Art Center, and the Sursock Museum in Lebanon, as well as at Paris Design Week, Art Dubai, and PAD London and Paris. Khayat’s work is part of the permanent collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, UK. Follow us on: Instagram Tik Tok   YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

Read More: The Future Sounds of Morocco: 11 Talented Rappers Shaping the Next Era of Moroccan Music in 2023 Morocco’s contemporary art scene is thriving, with artists pushing boundaries across a range of media, from painting and sculpture to installation and digital art. These ten Moroccan artists are making waves both locally and internationally, and their works are worth exploring before the year ends. Leila Alaoui Leila Alaoui (July 10, 1982 – January 18, 2016) was a French Moroccan photographer and video artist known for her poignant explorations of cultural identity, migration, and displacement. Combining art with social activism, she worked on projects for NGOs and humanitarian organizations, including portraits of refugees and video installations like *Crossings*, which depicted the journeys of Moroccans to Europe. Her work appeared in *The New York Times*, *Vogue*, and global exhibitions, with pieces held by Qatar Museums. Alaoui often set up portable studios in public spaces to capture intimate portraits, inspired by Robert Frank's *The Americans*. In 2015, she documented Syrians in refugee settlements for *Everyday Heroes of Syria*. Tragically, she died in a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso in 2016. Her legacy is honored through the Leila Alaoui Foundation, established to preserve her work, uphold her values, and support artists promoting human dignity. Tributes include dedications at the Marrakech Biennale and the Photography Biennale of the Contemporary Arab World. Zakaria Rahmani Zakaria Ramhani (b. 1983, Tangiers) is a Moroccan visual artist based in Montreal, renowned for his large-scale paintings that incorporate Arabic calligraphy as a central artistic element. His work explores the tension between Islamic aniconism and portraiture, inspired by his upbringing in a Muslim society and the influence of his father, a landscape painter who grappled with religious restrictions on depicting the human figure. In 2006, Ramhani became the youngest Moroccan to receive a residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris. Since then, he has exhibited internationally, including at the Barbican Centre in London, Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the Dakar Biennale, and the British Museum at DIFC Dubai. His works are part of prestigious collections such as the Barjeel Foundation and the Royal Family of Morocco. In 2013, Julie Meneret Contemporary Art introduced his work to the U.S. with the exhibition *May Allah Forgive Me, Vol. 1 and 2*. Lalla Essaydi Lalla A. Essaydi is a Moroccan-born artist currently based in the United States. She earned her MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts/Tufts University in 2003 and is represented by Howard Yezerski Gallery in Boston and Edwynn Houk Gallery in New York City. Her work has been widely exhibited across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and is held in esteemed collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Williams College Museum of Art, and the Fries Museum in the Netherlands. Essaydi's art blends Islamic calligraphy with depictions of the female form, offering a nuanced exploration of Arab female identity shaped by her personal experiences. Her work often revisits her Moroccan girlhood, navigating the space between her past and present realities. By appropriating Orientalist imagery from Western art traditions, she challenges and reinterprets these historical narratives. Working across various media—including painting, photography, video, and installation—Essaydi crafts a distinctive visual language that engages viewers in critical dialogues about gender, culture, and representation. Meriem Bennani Meriem Bennani (b. 1988, Rabat, Morocco) is a New York-based artist known for her playful videos and installations blending animation, documentary, and sci-fi. She earned her MFA in Animation from École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and her BFA from The Cooper Union. Her work explores themes like migration, identity, and cultural traditions, often drawing on her lived experiences. Notable projects include *Mission Teens* (2019), a faux reality show set at her French school in Morocco, examining colonial influence and soft power, and *Siham & Hafida* (2017), a multi-screen installation exploring intergenerational dynamics among Moroccan *chikha* performers. Bennani’s innovative storytelling and multimedia approach create engaging, humorous works that bridge cultural specifics with universal themes. Latifa Echakhch Latifa Echakhch (b. 1974, El Khnansa, Morocco) is a contemporary visual artist renowned for her socio-political and culturally reflective sculptures, paintings, and installations. By decontextualizing symbolic objects, Echakhch invites viewers to question preconceived associations and construct narratives from the traces left behind, a process she likens to detective work. Her art also critiques the fragility of modernism, as seen in works like *Untitled (Gunpowder)*, where she used gunpowder tea to create a black border referencing both war and Morocco's tea culture. Echakhch studied at the École supérieure d'Art de Grenoble, the National School of Arts Cergy-Pontoise, and the Lyon National School of Fine Arts. Since starting her career in 2002, she has exhibited at prestigious institutions like Tate Modern, the Hammer Museum, and MACBA, and participated in major biennials, including Venice, Sharjah, and Istanbul. Among her accolades are the Marcel Duchamp Prize (2013) and the Zurich Art Prize (2015). Currently based in Martigny, Switzerland, she continues to challenge cultural narratives through her thought-provoking works. Hicham Matini Hicham Matini (b. 1987, Tahla, Morocco) is a visual artist whose work focuses on the cultural hegemony of images and the impact they have on public discourse, particularly in the context of geopolitics. He explores how culture is often transmitted as distraction, with a critical eye on the "virality" of images and their perceived truthfulness. Matini aims to provide deeper interpretations of contemporary issues through his art. He holds a degree from the National Institute of Fine Arts in Tetouan (2014) and has exhibited at notable venues such as the 5th Marrakech Biennale, MONA in Detroit, the Festival of Arts and Music in Tulum, and CRUCE contemporary art center in Madrid. His work, which spans various media, addresses themes like borders, urban violence, and generational conflicts, using popular symbols to explore the tension between tradition and modernity. Amine EL GOTAIBI Amine El Gotaibi, a 2008 graduate of the National Institute of Fine Arts in Tetouan, is a prominent figure in Moroccan contemporary art. Known for his large-scale, multidisciplinary projects, he blends traditional mediums like drawing, video, and painting with mechanical engineering and travel. His works often engage with space and time, reflecting on political, social, and geographical themes. In 2020, while a resident at the Nirox Foundation in South Africa, El Gotaibi created *Sun(W)hole_piece of cradle 1*, a 15.3-meter long adobe wall with a hole symbolizing resistance to immobility. In 2019, his installation *Ba moyi ya afrika (The Suns of Africa)*, displayed at the Young Congo Biennial, featured projectors representing the sun illuminating Africa, extending his exploration of territorial concepts initiated in 2016 with *Attorab Al Watani*, a participatory work showcased at COP22 in Marrakech. El Gotaibi's immersive works, like *La prédation ne croit pas à la mort!* (2012), question hegemonic powers. His project *Arena of Submission* (2014), born from the Arab Spring, was funded by the Arab Fund for Arts and Cultures and exhibited by the Institut du Monde Arabe. His exhibitions, such as *Perspective de brebis* (2018) and *Perspective de séduction* (2019), continue to explore themes of submission and territoriality, blending personal reflection with universal socio-political commentary. Mo Baala Mo Baala, a multidisciplinary artist from Taroudant, Morocco, draws inspiration from traditional Moroccan and African crafts, as well as philosophy, history, and literature. His artistic journey began in the vibrant markets of Taroudant, where he explored his creativity alongside online research. Baala’s diverse influences are reflected in his fluid practice across mediums. Trained in leatherwork from a young age, he later expanded into paper drawings, collages, textiles, and painting. His work now includes site-specific installations, performance, and video art. Since debuting at the 2016 Marrakech Biennale, Baala has gained international recognition, with his work featured in both solo and group exhibitions worldwide. He currently lives and works in Morocco. Yacout Kabbaj Yacout Kabbaj, born in 1983 in Casablanca, is a contemporary visual artist known for her innovative use of materials and her exploration of figurative anti-discourse. She emerged on the Moroccan art scene in 2008 with a monumental 9x3 meter piece at the "From Urban Geography to Places of Silence" exhibition. In 2009, she became a resident artist at the Cité des Arts in Paris, where she connected with international artists and participated in various exhibitions, including the Biennale of Young Creators in Skopje. Her work delves into visual automatism and contemporary aesthetic questions, such as the disturbances caused by digital hardware and software. Yacout defines her art as "a precious means of freezing the aesthetic moment of this beginning of the century." She explores the concept of non-form through spontaneous gestures, vivid color explosions, and organic dimensions like drips, reliefs, and transparencies. Her technique, developed over three years of experimentation, utilizes industrial materials to create dynamic, evolving works. Yacout currently lives and works in Casablanca. Yto Barrada Yto Barrada (b. 1971, Paris) is a Moroccan-French artist who studied history and political science at the Sorbonne and photography in New York. Her work, which spans photography, film, sculpture, prints, and installations, often explores the unique context of her hometown, Tangier. Barrada has exhibited at major institutions like Tate Modern, MoMA, Centre Pompidou, and the Venice Biennale. Named Deutsche Bank Artist of the Year in 2011, her exhibit *RIFFS* toured internationally. Barrada is also the founding director of the Cinémathèque de Tanger and has received notable awards, including the Robert Gardner Fellowship in Photography and the 2015 Abraaj Prize. She is represented by Pace Gallery, Sfeir-Semler Gallery, and Galerie Polaris. 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Read More: 10 Arab Artists Making Waves Globally: Must-Follows for 2024 The art scene in the UAE is rapidly evolving, and Emirati artists continue to shape this vibrant landscape with unique perspectives and innovative approaches. Here are some Emirati artists whose work you should be following by the end of the year: Abdulqader Alrais AbdulQader AlRais is a prominent contemporary artist, known for his abstract works that integrate geometric forms and Arabic script. His signature use of floating squares across the canvas has become a hallmark of his style. Initially focused on local sceneries, AlRais evolved to explore abstract compositions, blending geometric illusions with realistic imagery. This fusion of styles allowed him to express his individuality and move beyond traditional forms. His work now combines calligraphic abstraction with geometric precision, creating vibrant, dynamic canvases that push artistic boundaries. In 2015, AlRais’s artwork adorned Dubai Metro carriages as part of the Dubai Arts Season. The following year, he participated in *Art Nomads - Made in the Emirates* in Berlin, further solidifying his influence in contemporary art. Mooza Al Matrooshi Moza Almatrooshi is a UAE-based conceptual artist, writer, and chef, who earned her MFA from the Slade School of Fine Art in London in 2019. Her work explores the erased mythology of the Arabian Peninsula, examining how these myths intersect with contemporary regional political structures. Through a blend of performance, moving image, audio media, and text, Almatrooshi creates thought-provoking narratives. Her work has been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the ICA London, and BBC's New Creatives project, as well as featured in the second Lahore Biennale. Mattar Bin Lahej Mattar Bin Lahej is an Emirati painter, photographer, and sculptor based in Dubai. He is the founder of Marsam Mattar, the first art gallery in the UAE managed by an artist. Bin Lahej is also renowned for his work as the artist and calligrapher behind the façade of the Museum of the Future, one of Dubai’s most iconic buildings, often described as "the only building that speaks Arabic." His innovative approach to art and design has made a significant impact on the cultural landscape of the UAE. Abdulla Lutfi Abdulla Lutfi is an Emirati artist based in Dubai, known for his humorous black and white drawings of the UAE's skylines and landscapes. His work, often signed "A.L.," is influenced by his love for Japanese culture and his unique perspective as an autistic savant. Abdulla uses his condition to create art that conveys his distinct view of the world, raising awareness for "The People of Determination." With sold-out solo exhibitions and commissions from institutions like Dubai International Airport, Abdulla has made a significant impact. He also mentors fellow artists and works to promote inclusion and visibility for special needs artists through his art and workshops. Maisoon Al Saleh Born in 1988, Emirati artist Maisoon Al Saleh is a Dubai-based artist and entrepreneur known for her bold, surrealist works that explore modern Emirati culture and history. A Zayed University graduate, Al Saleh has held four solo shows and participated in over 100 exhibitions worldwide, including events in the UAE, Europe, and the United States. Her art features vibrant colors and abstract forms, often employing mediums like acrylic, mixed media, fiberglass, and even underwater painting. Al Saleh’s unique style often incorporates skeletons, symbolizing timeless human experiences and sparking discussions on Emirati heritage and how history is represented. Through her art, she invites viewers to reflect on identity and the layers beneath our shared stories. Noora Al Serkal Noura Alserkal is a UAE-based artist whose work delves into themes of genealogy, family history, and the interplay between known and unknown narratives. With a background in Jewellery and Metal from the Royal College of Art, she uses archival research to reconstruct personal histories, often addressing neglected or taboo topics. Her artistic approach melds the commercial with the conceptual, focusing on immaterial connections as much as physical artifacts. Notable achievements include winning the RCA x Swarovski Design Project in 2018 and presenting her work in Austria. She has also participated in the Dubai-Berlin Exchange Program and the Cultural Excellence Fellowship, showcasing her unique fusion of storytelling and experimental design. Aisha Juma Aisha Juma, a Dubai-born Emirati artist, is celebrated for her art that bridges spiritual philosophy and contemporary mediums. Her work, influenced by mindfulness and the connection between inner and outer spaces, often explores existential themes. She is known for her “automatic” or “channeled drawings,” created through a meditative process, which capture her belief in the interconnectedness of all beings. Juma, an early advocate for the UAE arts scene, champions the importance of developing visual arts alongside other forms like music, literature, and theater. She envisions innovative art education programs that blend art and science, along with high-tech multidisciplinary studio spaces that foster this synthesis. Since 2022, she has also explored NFTs, further broadening her reach in the art world. Khaled Al Jaberi Khaled, an Abu Dhabi-based Emirati cartoonist, is known for his sharp and witty illustrations that capture everyday life in the UAE. His distinct style and relatable humor often tackle themes like relationships and society's addiction to phones and social media. Some of his cartoons spark controversy, as they touch on sensitive topics, frequently igniting heated discussions in the comments. Khaled’s work resonates with many, prompting viewers to reflect on modern life in the UAE. Khawla Mohammad Darwish Khawla Darwish is an Emirati artist celebrated for her emotive depictions of the human heart, expressed across various media. Her deeply personal work draws inspiration from the loss of a family member, adding layers of vulnerability and connection to her creations. Darwish frequently showcases her art at prominent UAE events like the Sikka Art Fair, where her pieces resonate with audiences through their raw, heartfelt themes. Follow us on: Instagram Tik Tok   YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!