Mona Trad Dabaji

Mona Trad Dabaji (b. 1950) is a prolific multi-disciplinary Lebanese artist who graduated from the American University of Beirut (AUB) just as Lebanon’s civil war broke out in 1975.

The fallout of the war was the overriding theme of Trad Dabaji’s first solo exhibition, held in 1992 and titled ‘Beirut, The Phantom City’ (Beyrouth, Ville Fantôme). In this show, many of the paintings relay typically Lebanese architectural structures, from hallmark balconies to iconic buildings and statues, in varying states of damage and disrepair, alongside other scenes conveying the impact of years of war. 

Trad Dabaji’s compositions are marked by meticulous attention to detail and a bold, vibrant palette. In the decades that have followed, Lebanon remains the focal point of her art, from its rich cultural heritage and the challenges its people face to the multi-layered complexities that are ingrained in the social fabric of the country.

Trad Dabaji’s work is often figurative, with her subjects ranging from farmers, both men and women, working the land and overseeing livestock, to female nudes, reading or relaxing, complete with ‘narguileh’. 

Trad Dabaji’s passion for her homeland is seen not only in the way that Lebanon has remained at the heart of her work, but also in the topical issues she often focuses on. These include her themed 2008 show ‘My Land is not for Sale’, in which she reaffirms her commitment to preserving the heritage and identity of her birthplace, and her decision to paint in oils on salvaged doors and windows, giving them a new lease of life.

Trad Dabaji’s work, which includes sculptures and ceramics, has been shown extensively in Lebanon and abroad, including in France, Jordan, the US and the UAE. Her solo exhibitions include, most recently: ‘Le Paradis Perdu’, Mark Hachem Gallery, Beirut (2022); Sursock Palace, Beirut (2022); ‘Les Orientales “dé-voilées” de Mona Trad Dabaji’, Mark Hachem Gallery, Beirut (2013); Mark Hachem Gallery, Beirut (2010); Aida Cherfan Fine Art, Beirut (2008); Nada Debs Gallery, Saifi Village, Beirut (2008); Eddé Sands and Eddé Yard, Byblos, Lebanon (2006); BNPI, Bourj El Ghazal, Beirut (2003); Jadis Gallery, Dubai (2002); Al Mijana, Beirut (2001); Circus, Beirut (2000); Galerie De Medicis, Paris (2000); and Galerie Epreuve d’Artiste, Beirut (2000). 

Trad Dabaji’s has also taken part in numerous group shows including several of the Sursock Museum’s ‘salons’ and, most recently: ‘The Art of Slow’, Arthaus, Beirut (2023); ‘Women of Resilience’, with FAME (Female Artists of the Middle East Association), Athens, Greece (2019); ‘Le Salon Maison et Objets’, Paris (2019); ‘Trendsetting VIII’, Galerie Nabad, Amman (2017-2018); Beirut Art Fair (2017); Beirut Art Fair  (2016); Collective Basel, Calarahuus, Basel (2016); Beirut Art Fair (2014); Beirut Art Fair (2013); Syri-Arts, Beirut Exhibition Centre (2013); Art Paris, Grand Palais, Paris (2013); ‘Le Corps Découvert’, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris (2012); Cremilion Gallery, Houston, US (2005); Aida Cherfan Gallery, Beirut (2004); ‘Artistes du Liban’, Galerie Espace Chatelet, Paris (2004); Collective Fair, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2002); ‘Mois le la Francophonie’, Espace SD, Beirut (2001); Salon ARTDECO, SIMAA Beirut (2000-2001); ‘Semaine Libanaise en Jordanie’, Amman (2000); and Salon d’Automne, Sursock Museum, Beirut (2001).

Trad Dabaji still lives and works in Beirut, where she also teaches painting. Her influence continues to be felt widely across Lebanon’s art scene and beyond.