Wajih Nahle

1932 – 2017, Beirut

Wajih Nahle maintained a strong connection to his village of Tayybe in South Lebanon, fostering an organic bond throughout his artistic journey. He studied art under the guidance of Moustafa Farroukh and emerged as a postwar and contemporary master painter, calligrapher, and sculptor. Nahle's innovative approach to artistic expression positioned him as a pioneer within his generation and garnered him international acclaim as an Oriental artist.

Renowned for his mastery of Islamic art, Nahle transcended boundaries by transforming Arabic calligraphy into a universal language. His artistic ideology reflects a fusion of tradition and contemporary postulates, skillfully interweaving technical complexity with profound symbolism.

Nahle's artwork has been showcased in numerous prestigious museums and exhibitions worldwide, from New York to Beijing. His exceptional talent and contributions have earned him numerous awards, including the rank of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in Lebanon in 1980 and France in 1994. He has also been honored with the Medal of the Order of Merit by the Lebanese government.

About his Work

Nahle embarked on his artistic career by painting oil paintings in an impressionistic style. However, his artistic journey took a significant turn when he returned to his oriental roots and delved into the creation of decorative Islamic bas-reliefs, adopting a more linear and two-dimensional approach. Through his art, Nahle sought to reconnect with the ancient oriental and Arab-Muslim artistic traditions, representing a "return to the sources."

While primarily known as a painter, Nahle's artistic inspiration stemmed from Nature itself. In his works, he captured the essence of colors, rhythms, sounds, and spontaneity, allowing viewers to experience a sense of light, contrast, and movement. His compositions avoided straight and harsh lines, instead embracing fluidity and perpetual motion.

Like his paintings, Nahle's sculptures exemplified explosive motions in all directions, captivating our gaze and inspiring profound spiritual contemplation. He firmly believed that these orchestrated movements were a reflection of the divine image, symbolizing a harmonious order and an infinite range of possibilities.

Wajih Nahle

Untitled, 19--

Stone, 115 x 60 x 20 cm

Loan from the artist’s Estate