Jean-Marc Nahas

Jean-Marc Nahas is a high-profile Lebanese painter and draughtsman, known for his dramatic expressionist paintings that often deal with the complicated issues surrounding war and peace.

Born in Beirut, Nahas moved to Paris aged 17 and studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and Penninghen, graduating with an MFA. Nahas grew up in Beirut during the civil war, which, together with the political turmoil of the time, had a profound influence on his work. 

He has described his art as akin to expressing himself in the form of the written word, whether that be through poetry, storytelling, or writing a letter. This description reflects the openness and intimacy that Nahas’ work displays, which gives it palpable intensity. His art is characterised by rapid, rhythmic brushstrokes, producing figures and animal-like motifs that are sketch-like in style. His protagonists are often seemingly captured in the middle of an activity, as if interrupted, a range of emotions etched across their expressive faces, leaving viewers intrigued about their backstories. 

Nahas divides his time between Europe, the Middle East, and North America. His work can be found in prestigious public and private collections worldwide, including the British Museum, the Sursock Museum, the Banque Audi art collection, Vincent Delieuvin Private collection (head heritage curator of Le Louvre, Paris), Pier Franco Grosso Private collection (London, UK), and has been exhibited extensively, in Lebanon, the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, the UAE, Kuwait, and Canada.

Watch our interview with Jean Marc Nahhas