Rached Bohsali

Rached Bohsali (b. 1957) is an award-winning Lebanese artist, architect, professor and media contributor who lives in Beirut.

Bohsali holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the American University of Beirut, obtained in 1981, and a CEAA in Domestic Architecture from the École d’Architecture de Paris-Villemin, gained in 1984.

Bohsali began painting professionally in the late 1980s, switching from a successful career in architecture, and exhibiting his work from 1992 onwards.

Over the years, Boshali has become known for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in an ever-evolving practice, creating works that have shifted from hyper-realistic watercolour landscapes and still-lifes to more spontaneous pieces marked by geometric abstraction, fluidity and the interaction of colours and textures.

Bohsali’s fascinating artistic journey was showcased in early 2025 at a landmark solo retrospective, titled ‘Phases of A Mutation: Rached Bohsali’s Artistic Evolution’, curated by Dr Tony Karam and held at Rebirth Beirut. 

Commenting ahead of the show’s opening, Gaby Fernaine, Founder and President of Rebirth Beirut, said: “Rached Bohsali’s work embodies the resilience and beauty of Beirut, a city that has always been a beacon of art, culture, and love. His artistic evolution mirrors our journey as a city and an NGO - constantly rebuilding, reimagining, and growing.” 

From his side, Bohsali commented: “As the world changes, we must change with it.” 

Bohsali’s art has featured in numerous exhibitions across the decades worldwide. Recent group shows include: ‘30 Years of Color’, Galerie Janine Rubeiz, Beirut (2023); ‘Celebrating Painting’, Galerie Janine Rubeiz, Beirut (2022); ‘Wajihāt’, monumental banners on the Boulos Fayad building, facing the Port of Beirut (2021); and ‘Rebirth: Lebanon 21st Century Contemporary Art’, Beirut Exhibition Centre (2011).

A work by Bohsali, titled ‘Reflections of the Reflected Reflections Revisited’, also featured in ‘The Art of Lebanon’, a major sale held at Bonhams in London in 2016. In addition, together with three other works by the artist, it featured in the ‘Splash 12: The Best of Watercolor: Celebrating Artistic Vision’ publication.

Bohsali’s other achievements include a Special Mention by the Salon d’Automne at the Sursock Museum, Beirut in 1996 and 1997. He was also one of 12 prize-winners in the Worldwide Millennium Painting Competition, organised by Windsor & Newton and IMOGEN and held in London in 2000 to mark the new millennium, where he received his award from the Prince of Wales and Secretary General of the UN. In the same year, he was awarded the Shield of the Lebanese Ministry of Culture and Higher Education at the Unesco Palais. Other accolades include being a finalist in the Still Life category of the Artist’s Magazine International Annual Art Competition from 2001-2006 and 2008.

Bohsali holds the post of Associate Professor at the Lebanese American University (LAU), where he has chaired the Fine Arts and Foundation Studies Department for five consecutive years. He lives in Beirut.