Home » Artists » Afaf Zurayk

Afaf Zurayk

Early Life and Education of Afaf Zurayk

Afaf Zurayk (b. 1948) a prize-winning, multimedia Lebanese artist and published writer who was born in Beirut, into an academic family. Zurayk’s talent was evident early on, prompting her parents to send her to art school. As a teenager, she was also taught privately by the Lebanese artist Helen Khal, who had a major influence on her style. In 1970, Zurayk attended the American University of Beirut (AUB), graduating with a BA in Fine Arts with Distinction. She continued her studies in the US, where she obtained an MA in Islamic art from Harvard University two years later.

Afaf Zurayk’s Artistic Philosophy and Inspirations

Zurayk’s art is rooted in the effects of Lebanon’s civil war and other catastrophic events, including the Beirut Port explosion, from the upheaval, torment and trauma involved to the surprising and welcome moments of positivity. “During the civil war in Lebanon, I experienced wrenching fear through the destruction of the life and the self that I knew,” she has said. “Yet, I was gifted with grace and love in the midst of overwhelming violence.”

Searching questions that span topical issues related to human values, hopes and fears, are asked with candour and directness on canvases in oil paint that is layered with a dry brush.

The Creative Process of Afaf Zurayk

Zurayk works with nominal, pale colour palettes in a way that reinforces the transparency and authenticity of her ethos and beliefs. White, combined with grey or black, or pale pinks and blues are amongst her choices for works which span facial features, conveying raw emotion and nature’s elements. She also attaches importance to nature, especially its therapeutic qualities, having spoken about how she spends time outdoors when preparing to paint.

Major Themes in Afaf Zurayk’s Work

Nature has also played a key role in inspiring her writing, especially her poetry, which sometimes runs concurrently with her work. “I coupled painting with writing to express feelings of both agency and belonging. I shaped a new sense of self and began to appreciate meditative solitude as a way to till my ground creatively. The privilege of being in and with nature was restorative and generative,” she has said. “My poetry emerged from a wellspring of love, and I grew. Painting and writing in loving awe, I remain within, crossing those passages that connect us in kindness, gently.”

Exhibitions and Collections Featuring Afaf Zurayk

Zurayk’s artwork features in several private and permanent collections, including those at the British Museum, London, the Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah, the Sursock Museum, Beirut and Darat al-Funun, Amman.

Zurayk has held several solo exhibitions, most recently: ‘Beirut Octet: A Generation’s Journey of Resilience and Faith’, Saleh Barakat Gallery, Beirut (2023); ‘Return Journeys’, Saleh Barakat Gallery, Beirut (2019); Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Beirut (2013); Maqam Gallery, Beirut (2010); Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Beirut (2008); Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Beirut (2001); Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Beirut (1997); Foundry Gallery, Washington DC (1995); Theatre De Beyrouth, Beirut (1994). Foundry Gallery, Washington, DC (1993); Foundry Gallery, Washington, DC (1991); and Goethe Institut, Beirut (1980).

Zurayk has also taken part in several joint exhibitions, including: ‘Shifting Lights’, Beit Beirut, in collaboration with Rami Saab and Noel Nasr (2017); ‘Scripted Water’, Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Beirut, with Cornelia Krafft (2012); and ‘Forces of Change’, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington DC (1994).

Afaf Zurayk’s Contributions to Literature

A published writer, Zurayk has also written several books, including: ‘Beyond Art’ (2020): ‘Return Journeys’ (2019); ‘Drawn By Light’ (2019); ‘My Father. Reflections’ (2010); ‘Lovesong’ (2011); and ‘Drawn Poems’ (2012).

Teaching, Awards and Recognition of Afaf Zurayk

Zurayk was awarded the Jouhayna Baddoura prize for art in 2017. She has taught drawing and painting in Continuing Education at the Corcoran College of Art and Design and Georgetown University, Washington DC, and in Lebanon at the Beirut University College (now the Lebanese American University) and AUB. Today, she lives and works in Beirut, Lebanon.