Yolande Labaki

Yolande Labaki (b. 1927) is a Lebanese painter who was born in Saida and lives between Beirut and Brussels.

Labaki attended the Sorbonne University in Paris, studying literature and art history, after which she began painting. A self-taught artist, she was mentored by the Belgian visual artist Florent Crommelynck in Belgium. Labaki also studied in the US at the New York School of Visual Arts, where she focused on silkscreen, among other techniques.

Working across the decades, Labaki has become known for her inimitable style of painting, in which she explores themes relating to identity and culture, often rooted in her Lebanese heritage. 

Largely abstract and richly varied, her compositions feature elements that range from oriental motifs, symbols and calligraphed letters to mandalas in bold, bright and often earthy colours. Her work also sometimes reveals figurative elements that remind us of her fascination with the human condition and history, while expressive brushstrokes give these and other pieces a sense of spontaneity and movement.

Most recently, Yolande Labaki’s work was showcased in a solo show at Gallery Cheriff Tabet, Beirut, in December 2024 and an in-person/online Retrospective held by Artscoops in January 2024. Other recent solo exhibitions include events at: Galerie Aida Cherfane, Beirut (2018); ‘A Thousand Nights to Live, One Night to Dream’, Minus 1, Beirut (2017); ‘Arabyattes’, Kaslik (2001); and the National Museum of Beirut (2000).

Labaki has also taken part in several group shows, including a major collective titled ‘All Shades of Colors’, held at Rebirth Beirut’s cultural space, Gemmayzeh in February 2025, where she was welcomed as the guest artist. Other high-profile group shows in which she has participated include ‘Lebanon - The Artist's View, 200 years of Lebanese Painting’, held at the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, in 1989. More recently, her work has featured in group shows that include: ‘Fragments. Archaeology and Chocolate’, Marriott, London (2007); ‘Digue de Mer’, Galerie Le Zoute’, Belgium (2004); Atelier Victoria Calleja, Brussels (2003); ‘ARTUEL’, Beirut (2002 and 2000).

A multi-talented and multi-disciplined artist, Labaki has also produced extensive jewellery collections, including pendants and brooches, and other collectibles that include bookmarks.

Following the Beirut Port explosion of August 2020, Labaki famously hand-knitted 100 dolls for 100 children affected by the tragedy, saying, “God, if you give me the power, I will make 100 of these by Christmas.