Saliba Douaihy | Lebanese 1915-1994
Scion of the esteemed Douaihy family in northern Lebanon, began his artistic journey humbly. Intrigued by art in his hometown's churches, he honed his skills despite admonitions in school.
At 14, he embarked on a transformative journey to Beirut, apprenticing under Habib Srour. Recognizing Saliba's potential, his father, with community support, sent him to Paris in 1932. After excelling at the prestigious Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, he graduated in 1936.
Returning to Lebanon, Saliba blossomed into an established artist, his acclaim culminating in the Maronite Church's commission at Diman. In 1950, he moved to New York, experiencing a profound artistic evolution.
Immersed in the city's vibrant art scene, he navigated through associations with luminaries like Rothko and Reinhardt but remained a solitary force.
His minimalist style, influenced by Kant and Albers, emerged in the late '60s, marking a relentless pursuit of simplicity and infinite space.
Douaihy's art graced prestigious institutions, including MoMA and the Guggenheim. His legacy lives on through his unique hard-edge minimalism, a complex interplay of shapes, colors, and space. In 1994, Saliba Douaihy bid adieu in NY, leaving behind a timeless artistic imprint. His late marriage and a cherished daughter enriched his multifaceted life. Explore the profound beauty of his work, a testament to a remarkable artistic odyssey.
Comments