Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Elie Kanaan Biography
Elie Kanaan, born in Beirut in 1926 and passing away in 2009, was a Lebanese Modernist artist whose work has left an indelible mark on the world of art. His journey into the realm of art began in his early twenties when he developed his distinctive style in oil painting. This period of his life was significantly influenced by his encounters with well-known painters, including the French painter Georges Cyr, who played a pivotal role in Kanaan's early development as an artist.
Kanaan's talent and dedication to his craft were recognized early on when he won the first prize in painting at the "Salon du Printemps" in 1957, followed by the UNESCO prize in 1958. These accolades afforded him a fellowship to Paris, where he attended the Free Academy of the Grande Chaumière. It was in Paris that Kanaan's style began to evolve towards abstraction, influenced by his interactions with notable artists and critics of the time, including Jacques Villon, Yves Alix, Waldemar Georges, and Maximilien Gautier. The city's vibrant art scene, particularly the atmospheres of Saint Germain-des-Près and Montparnasse during the 50s and 60s, had a profound impact on his work, imbuing it with a sense of movement and memory that would remain a constant throughout his career.
Upon his return to Beirut, Kanaan did not retreat into the high society circles often associated with artists of his caliber. Instead, he chose a more solitary path, dedicating himself to his art and his role as a professor at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts. Despite his preference for solitude, Kanaan's work gained international recognition, leading to numerous exhibitions across the globe, including in Paris, New York, Sao Paolo, Belgrade, Moscow, and Alexandria. His work was celebrated for its brilliant technical drawing and painting skills, and his unique color compositions that often illustrated a mixture of life's pulsions and immediate glimpses of hope.
Kanaan's artistic journey was also marked by significant contributions to the Lebanese art scene. In 1957, he co-founded the Lebanese Artists Association, and between 1963 and 1974, he taught drawing and painting in Lebanon at various prestigious institutions. His dedication to art education and his influence on the next generation of Lebanese artists cannot be overstated.
The essence of Kanaan's work lies in his masterful use of color and light. He was particularly taken by the Mediterranean palette, using contrasting reds, blues, and yellows to create a sensation of motion or tension between pigments. His paintings, such as "Combat de Soleil" (1985), are testament to his ability to depict light's victory over darkness, with saturated bursts of hues that draw the eye and evoke a profound emotional response.
Kanaan's legacy is one of a meticulous and passionate artist who sought to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around him. His works, which are part of the most prominent collections worldwide, continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their depth, vibrancy, and emotional resonance. Elie Kanaan's contribution to the world of art is a testament to his talent, vision, and unwavering dedication to his craft, making him one of the most important figures in Modern Lebanese art.
Elie Kanaan Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: