Yolande Naufal

Yolande Naufal (1949 – 2023) was a Lebanese artist, illustrator and author who lived her entire life in Gemmayzeh, Beirut.  

She initially worked in research, higher education and as an art therapist, having gained several professional qualifications that included a Postgraduate Diploma in Drawing and Painting from the Lebanese University’s Faculty of Fine Arts and a Doctorate in Psychology from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.

In her naïve, primitive artworks, Naufal invites her audiences to enter a carefree world created from a mix of memories, dreams and her vivid imagination. 

Naufal’s rich, colourful narrative-led compositions are rooted in nostalgia and childhood adventures, uplifting, tender and, at times, sorrowful, brought to life in rich vibrant colours. Themes include idyllic countryside scenes, complete with farm animals frolicking in fields against a backdrop of rolling hills featuring simple trees, fruit bushes and flowers in a medley of unexpected, surprising colours. Children playing games are a favourite subject, often positioned outside fairytale-like houses or with their families, enjoying days by the seaside. Naufal’s use of colour is especially significant, shifting from bright, vivid shimmering tones to earthy shades of red, yellow and brown, depending on the regional location. 


“My paintings aim to transport us into a world of colour, harmony, beauty and light. I built an imaginary world, a setting made to welcome my subjects in a strong relationship between the background and the character. I seek to communicate peace, love and joy through my painting,” she said.

Naufal’s work has been exhibited extensively over the years, including in solo shows at: Palais des Congrès, Dbayeh (2009); Galerie Free Surface, Jal-el-Dib (2005); and Maraya Reflets d’Art Gallery, Sami El Solh, Beirut (1999). 

Her art has also featured in several collectives, including: ‘Massahat Faniya’ (Exhibition of Plastic Arts), Beit Al Fan, Almina, Tripoli, Lebanon (2009); ‘Middle East University Plastic Arts Spring Exhibition’ (2006); ‘France-Lebanon Exhibition’, Lebanese Tourist Office, [organised by the Chahine Gallery and Air France], Paris (2004); ‘Lebanese Pictorial Art’, Chahine Gallery and Air France, Paris (2003); ‘Lebanese Painters at Intercontinental Phoenicia’, the SPA, Galerie Chahine, Beirut (2003); Galerie Chahine and Lire en français, BIEL, Beirut (2002); ‘Exhibition of Visual Arts’, Saifi Village, Francophonie in Beirut (2001); and ‘Osterlen Exhibition’, Sweden (2001). 

Her artwork has also appeared in several publications, including: ‘Calendar 2004’, Lebanon’s Ministry of Tourism; ‘Junior Agenda’ (2001); ‘The Cultural Agenda’ (2000); and ‘Liaison’ magazine, Lebanon’s Ministry of National Education (2000). It has also featured on greetings cards sold by organisations that include the SOS Children’s Village and SESOBEL.

Naufal’s work can be found in several prestigious collections worldwide, including in Lebanon, France, Austria, Sweden, Australia, the US, the UK, Denmark and South Korea. In addition, she wrote several books for children and co-founded the Lebanese Association for Art Education.