Mathieu Makhlouf

“I started learning how to draw and paint in an art institute when I was six. Once I’d reached the age of 18, something new happened: I had to stop taking art classes and I found myself confronting art alone. I had no one to tell me what to do—if it was good or bad. And then the new adventure began. Today, I’m pursuing my master’s in architecture at USEK, Lebanon, after receiving my bachelor’s degree last year. I was part of theology classes at USJ, Lebanon, and I’m attending theology courses with the Marial Apostolic Movement (MAM).”

“I have my own art classes in Ghadir Jounieh. Approximately 15 students are currently taking the risk of participating in a 23-year-old teacher’s class. I believe they know what the goals are that I’m focusing on in their classes: to have fun, to be proud of their work and to put their freedom and ideas first. I’ve done some solo and group exhibitions and shared my work on some online platforms. Today, I am free from doubt and know with certainty that I want to trace my own path in art. My art involves nothing but freedom, it is generated by what I love the most in life: children, theology, life’s philosophy, teaching and learning—always learning, not to know more, but to appreciate life.”