Saloua Raouda Choucair's 100th Birthday Celebration

Born on 24 June 1916, Ms. Choucair is one of the most recognized artists of her generation, and a pioneer of abstract art in the region. Early on, she was inspired by modernist architecture, Islamic art, and the philosophical principles of Sufism. She drew from basic elements, the line and the curve, to develop a visual language that she applied throughout her career in a range of media – painting, sculpture, jewelry, textile, mural, and design.

To mark her centennial, the Saloua Raouda Choucair Foundation is loaning a series of recently produced sculptures to the Sursock Museum, to be displayed on the Museum’s esplanade.

The Foundation is also organizing a panel discussion to explore Ms. Choucair’s work in greater detail and to consider the broader narratives of her legacy, her influence, and her place in the history of the region’s art and ideas.

The panelists will include George Arbid (professor of architecture, American University of Beirut; director and co-founder, Arab Center for Architecture, Beirut); Clare Davies (art historian and curator, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York); and Reem Fadda (art historian and curator, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project, New York).

The conversation will be moderated by Kirsten Scheid (Modern Arab art specialist; professor at the American University of Beirut) and prefaced with remarks by distinguished guests.

Evening line-up

18:00  Plaque to be presented to the artist by the Minister of Culture, His Excellency Mr. Raymond Araiji
18:10  Samir Sayegh, friend, artist, and art critic
18:20  Panel discussion
19:10  Cocktail reception