Ahmad Ghaddar

Ahmad Ghaddar was born in Tyre, Lebanon and studied at the Lebanese University, Beirut, graduating with an MA in Fine/Studio Arts in 2023 from the Faculty of Fine Arts, after gaining a BA in the same subject previously. Today, Ghaddar, who creates art under the name of Renoz, lives and works in Beirut.

Ghaddar’s overriding passion is for street art and he has been instrumental in Lebanon in cementing graffiti’s status locally as a recognised category of art. Contemporary socio-political, topical issues lie at the heart of his work, with subjects explored ranging from corruption, economic turmoil and migration to poverty.

A staunch believer in the philosophy that art should be accessible to all, Ghaddar has painted several high-profile murals in Lebanon, including the familiar ‘Tell Me About Friendship’ in Hamra. He was a key player among the group of visual artists who took to the streets in Lebanon during the October 2019 revolution to share messages, protest and spark debate through street art.

As a multi-disciplinary artist, he is also known for his ‘Inflation’ series, a collage in which he dissected and constructed a Lebanese bank note as a commentary on the impact of the local currency plummeting in value against the US dollar.

Ghaddar’s work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions. Highlights to date include a solo show titled ‘LawenWasel’ (2022), at Artlab, Gemmayzeh, Beirut, in partnership with the British Council Lebanon and as part of CATAPULT.visual’arts.

Group exhibitions in which his work has featured include: the 22nd International Art Exchange Exhibition in Japan, with Arneli Art Gallery, hosted by JAALA (the Japanese, Asian, Latin American Artists’ Association) and Yokohama Arts Foundation, held at the Civic Art Gallery, Kanagawa (2021).

Ahmad Ghaddar also tutors in street art.

Through his dedication to street art and unwavering commitment to social commentary, Ahmad Ghaddar continues to shape the cultural landscape of Lebanon, inspiring audiences and fellow artists alike.