Samir Sayegh

Samir Sayegh is a Lebanese artist, art critic and historian who is recognised as a master in the field of avant-garde Arab calligraphy.

Born in Beirut, Sayegh was educated at Saint Savior Convent, Joun, in the Chouf district of Mount Lebanon, before travelling to France to study Art History at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. 

Sayegh is regarded as a leading light in his field who has pioneered the art of transforming the letters of Arabic calligraphy from their formal role and focusing instead on their aesthetic properties. Through this distinctive practice, he incorporated them into a newly created universal visual language, extending both their reach and role. Juxtaposed with elements such as ornamentation, lines, space and often simple shapes, Sayegh produces dynamic geometric compositions, completed in bold, vibrant colours, that span the surface of his canvases.

Commenting on his work and philosophy, Sayegh has said: “My understanding of calligraphy is that it’s not the calligraphy that carries the final meaning. The last word is not declared by this painting or drawing. The true meaning of the drawing is in the interpretation of it by the viewer.”

Samir Sayegh’s work has featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including, most recently: ‘Hurufiyya: Art & Identity’, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt (2017); Bin Mater House, Bahrain (2016); Dar Al Funoon, Kuwait (2015); ‘Alef in Many Letters’, Agial Art Gallery, Beirut (2014); ‘Tariqah’, Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah, UAE (2014); Athr Gallery, Dubai (2013); Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah, UAE (2010); ‘In Praise of Arabic Letters’, Agial Art Gallery, Beirut (2009); British Museum - Contemporary Arab Art [collective exhibition], (2006); First Sharjah Biennale for Calligraphy - Special Guest Exhibit (2004); and ‘Memoirs of Letters’, Agial Art Gallery, Beirut (2003).

A true innovator and established researcher, Sayegh has drawn on his fascination with Kufic scripts to invent several new calligraphic typefaces and produced several logos. 

Sayegh’s designs have also been selected for several projects, including initiatives at: Audi Institution, Saida; Soap Museum, Saida; Beiteddine Festival [supervision], Leyla Musfi; Boutique ‘Liwan’, Paris; Mena Jet - Arab Airline Company [supervision], ‘Mind The Gap’; Saleh Barakat Gallery, Beirut; Syndicate of Engineers, Beirut and Tripoli [supervision], Leyla Musfi; The South for Construction Company [supervision], Leyla Musfi.

In addition, Sayegh has overseen work at key architectural projects, namely: ‘Moucharrabias’ of Omari Mosque, wood and marble [supervision], Yussef Haydar, architect, Beirut; and the ceiling of Assila showroom, copper [supervision], Yussef Haydar, architect, Beirut.

Samir Sayegh is also a prolific writer, having had numerous articles and essays published on contemporary and Islamic art, and Sufi poetry. In addition, he is a long-standing jury member at Sursock Museum exhibitions. He lives and works in Beirut.