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Nicole Malhamé Harfouche

About Nicole Harfouche

Nicole Joseph Malhamé Harfouche is an award-winning Lebanese artist, academic, and art critic born in Beirut. A prominent figure in Lebanon’s art scene, she is known for her vibrant, expressive paintings and longstanding dedication to cultural education and advocacy.

Artistic Background and Style

Nicole Harfouche studied at Nazareth Ladies’ College before enrolling at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA), where she earned qualifications in both the Visual and Decorative Arts. Her paintings celebrate the natural world with dynamic depictions of flora and fauna rendered in uplifting, vibrant colours. Sharp delineations and rhythmic brushwork lend a sense of movement to her verdant subjects, while her abstract work explores expansive, organic forms and luminous palettes. Harfouche also creates mystical figurative compositions, marked by ethereal silhouettes and poetic backdrops.

Solo and Group Exhibitions

Nicole Harfouche’s work has been exhibited widely in Lebanon and internationally. Notable solo exhibitions have been held at the French Cultural Centre, Dar el Fan, Hotel St Georges, Epreuve d’Artiste Gallery, and the Békhazi Gallery. She has participated in prestigious group shows including the Salon d’Automne and Salon du Printemps in Lebanon and the Salon d’Automne at the Grand Palais in Paris, where she became a permanent associate member.

International Representation and Awards

Nicole Harfouche has represented Lebanon at major international biennials, such as the São Paulo Biennale in Brazil and the 1996 Sharjah Biennale, where she was awarded a medal. Her work has also featured in exhibitions across Greece, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Abu Dhabi.

Recent Exhibitions

A Light in the Darkness, Rebirth Beirut, Gemmayzeh (2024–2025)
Crossed Perspectives, Galerie Tanit, Beirut (2022–2023)

Publications and Recognition

Harfouche’s practice has been studied and celebrated in leading publications, including:

Women Artists in Lebanon by César Nasif (Lebanese University, 1995)
100 Years of Artistic Creation in Lebanon by Joseph Tarrab (Dar An-Nahar, 2010)
Several texts by Charbel Dagher (University of Balamand, 2002–2004)

Cultural Contributions and Roles

As a leader in Lebanon’s visual arts community, Nicole Harfouche has held influential positions, including:

Vice-President of the Lebanese Association of Visual Artists
President of the Board of Directors, Dar El Fan
Director of the School of Visual Arts and Head of Cultural and External Relations at ALBA, University of Balamand
Advisor to the Dean, ALBA (appointed in 2016)

Awards and Honours

Nicole Harfouche has received multiple accolades for her contributions to art and culture, including:

Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (France)
Officer of the Order of French Academic Palms
Numerous Medals of Honour

Harfouche is also a longtime art critic for Revue du Liban.