Biography

Chaouki Chamoun, born in Lebanon in 1942, is a distinguished artist whose extensive education and career reflect a profound commitment to the arts. He began his studies in Fine Art at the Lebanese University, where he graduated as the top student in 1972. Following this, Chamoun earned a Master of Fine Arts from Syracuse University in 1975, and continued his academic journey at New York University from 1975 to 1979, focusing on Aesthetics and Studio Art as a full-time fellow in the PhD program.
Chamoun’s large-scale, colorful paintings are deeply inspired by diverse landscapes, from the vast Arabian desert to the urban expanse of New York and the mountainous terrain of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, his birthplace. His series *Desert Experience* (2007-8) reflects a retreat into the simplicity and purity of the desert, offering a counterpoint to Lebanon’s political turmoil following the July War of 2006.
In addition to his artistic practice, Chamoun has made significant contributions as an educator, teaching art at institutions in Lebanon and the USA since 1974. He is also an accomplished interior architect, having managed high-profile projects for establishments such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s in major US cities since 1989. His work achieved notable recognition, including setting a record sale for a living Lebanese artist at Christie’s 2007 auction, placing him among the top 50 newly auctioned artists globally according to Art Price.
Chamoun’s contributions to the art world are further highlighted by his 2013 exhibition at the Beirut Exhibition Centre and the publication of his artistic autobiography, *The Art and Life of Chaouki Chamoun*, which includes over 300 illustrations and offers insights into his creative process and personal narratives.
Artwork
