Mohammad Al Haffar

1929-1993, Tripoli

Mohammad Al Haffar's artistic journey began in 1950 with a small "spontaneous" sculpture—a skier carved from an aluminum block. He graduated from Alba in 1963 and from the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1966. In 1973-1975, he was part of the Club des Dix, a group of artists for the North of Lebanon, and he used to invite the group to his home for discussions on projects and artistic ideas. In 1973, he also participated in founding the Architecture and Fine Arts northern branch of the Lebanese University. Al Haffar was a man of many passions, including music (he played several instruments and sang), literature, poetry, sports (which he practiced avidly), and above all, an extraordinary zest for life. He was known for his hedonistic nature and great sense of humor.

Over 27 dedicated years, from 1965 to 1992, Al Haffar produced a total of 93 sculptures, some of which exist in multiple versions, often varying in size or material.

Remarkably, his most prolific period coincided with his final years while battling cancer. From 1989 to 1992, he created an impressive 30 sculptures, with 10 of them completed in 1992, his last active year.

Consistently declining offers to sell his sculptures, Mohammad Al Haffar instead chose to offer a dozen pieces to public institutions and select connoisseurs.

About his Work

While Mohammad Al Haffar crafted a few sculptures in iron, copper, and mixed media, the majority of his pieces were made from wood. He appreciated the warmth and sensuality of this living material. Although he aspired to sculpt in marble, the inconvenience of having his workshop located in his apartment hindered that pursuit. Despite teaching clay modeling at the Tripoli branch of the Lebanese University, the absence of a kiln and foundry in North Lebanon prevented him from producing terracotta or bronze works.

Though sculpture was an instinctual and emotional process for him, he carefully pondered his preparatory sketches, never leaving anything to chance.

His preferred themes encompassed women in various states, sports activities, animals, music, and dance. With the exception of a couple of abstract compositions, all of his works were freely figurative.

Mohammad Al Haffar

Diving, 1989

Mahogany wood, 75 x 27 x 27 cm

MACAM collection