Nevine Mattar

Nevine Mattar (b. 1955) is a Lebanese-American artist who is known for creating works in collage and mixed media. Mattar travelled extensively as an art student, acquiring expertise in fields that ranged from Sumi-e (Japanese ink painting, studied in Japan) and illustration to painting. Her studies also took her to London, LA and New York. In addition, Mattar furthered her studies in Lebanon, majoring in Psychology, Education and Art History. 

Mattar’s diverse areas of study are reflected in the variety of art she creates, which encompasses collage, papier-mâché and murals, alongside posters, paintings and illustrations. She has described her work as a synthesis of influences and techniques, fuelled by a love for integrating media, with expressionism at its core.

“I truly think art should make a difference, which is why I admire genuine innovators, such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Toulouse-Lautrec and Grayson Perry,” she said in an interview with Artscoops. 

Colour is a key component of Mattar’s work, giving her compositions, which feature both figurative elements and her hallmark cityscapes, vibrancy and warmth. Her art also includes theatrical and musical elements and motifs, sometimes inspired by set designs she has worked on, and historical themes, which she is known for extensively researching, prompted by passion for the topics she has in mind. Examples include the Harlem Renaissance movement of the 1920s and 1930s, which was the source of inspiration for her ‘All that Jazz with Scraps’ exhibition at Gallery 392 Rmeil 393 (2017).

Nevine Mattar held her first solo show, titled ‘La Femme Fleur’, in 1982. Since then, her work has featured in exhibitions annually in cities worldwide, including Beirut, Paris, London, Dubai, Amman and Washington. 

Recent standout solo exhibitions include ‘A Fauvist View of Beirut’, held at Cheriff Tabet Gallery, Beirut in 2021, in which Mattar presented several paintings in oil and mixed media, pinpointing the city’s architectural contrasts, from the colours, shapes and sizes of the buildings to the juxtaposition of old and new.

Mattar has also taken part in several group exhibitions, including, recently: ‘Daydreams: an exhibition by Artists of Beirut Initiative’, Arthaus, Beirut (2022); ‘Tribute to Beirut’, pop-up show, Beirut (2020); and ‘Art in Mind’, The Brick Lane Gallery, London (2018).

An ardent supporter of recycling and reusing materials, Mattar raises awareness about these topical issues across communities and through civic activities. In addition, she is known for donating her art to help raise funds for key charitable causes.

attar was recognised by the Prince Osmani Mediterranean Centre in 2021, when she was awarded the Best Female Visual Artist title and became its new cultural ambassador. She has taught at several of Lebanon’s universities, including the Lebanese American University, which she also attended, Haigazian University, the American University of Beirut and Balamand University, where she is currently a lecturer in cultural studies. 

She is the founder of the first Papier-Mâché Association in Lebanon and a regular chair of art juries.