Biography
Ayman Baalbaki, born in Adaisseh, Lebanon in 1975, is a renowned contemporary artist whose work is deeply influenced by the Lebanese civil war and its aftermath. He holds a diploma in fine arts from the Lebanese University in Beirut, completed in 1998, and pursued further studies at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and Université Paris VIII in Paris. His artistic journey was notably shaped by attending the Ayloul Summer Academy in Amman, Jordan, under the mentorship of Marwan Kassab Bachi.
Baalbaki’s oeuvre is distinguished by his large-scale paintings, characterized by thick acrylic layers and a sense of organized chaos. These works vividly depict Beirut’s urban landscape, highlighting demolished structures, bombed suburbs, and iconic buildings. His unique brushwork and the colossal scale of his paintings capture the destabilizing effects of war, displacement, loss, identity, and collective memory. Additionally, his installation art, often incorporating neon signs, further emphasizes the impact of conflict.
A prominent figure in the Lebanese contemporary art scene, Baalbaki’s influence extends internationally. His installation “Janus Gate” represented Lebanese arts at the 59th Venice Biennale in 2022. Currently, he lives and works in Beirut, continuing to contribute profoundly to the artistic narrative of his country.
Artwork
