NNA – The art world is celebrating an exciting addition with the opening of the Salva Rauda Choucare Museum, in honor of an artist considered one of the most influential modern artists in the Middle East. Located in Ras El-Madan, less than an hour from Beirut, the museum is not only a site of works of art, but a living example of the harmonious integration of human creativity with the natural environment.
The museum opened on June 24, coinciding with Salva’s 118th birthday. The museum encourages its visitors to explore the world of this pioneering abstract artist and learn about his innovative spirit and his great influence on modern art. While touring the museum and its sculpture garden, visitors can admire the artist’s work and appreciate the harmony between her artwork and the nature around her. They will experience the continuing influence of the art of Saloua Rauda Chaugher and its place within the broader context of art history.
Speech by Hala Chouker
The opening ceremony featured a speech by Ms. Hala Chouker, daughter of the artist and Chairperson of the Salwa Rauda Chouker Foundation. He said in that. “Although she was born and raised in Beirut, my mother was always fascinated by openness. When she went to the pine forest, the trees, plants and rocks where we stand today was an inspiration, which immediately led to a project in this place, and many years later we are opening a museum here today. It is on this soil that future generations can appreciate and enjoy my mother’s art.
He added: “With the efforts of many Lebanese working on many fronts to preserve our heritage and promote our art and culture, I hope that this country will regain the heart of innovation and that this small museum that we are opening today will play a part in this goal that we seek for him.
He said: “Preserving and promoting the rich legacy of the artist, the institution has created a space to showcase not only Salva Rauda Souker’s extensive art collection, but also his personal papers that reflect invaluable ideas and insights into the artist’s thoughts. Artistic development, and the cultural and historical contexts that influenced his work.”
A rich and varied collection
The museum has around 600 artworks, of which 500 are on display, and reflects the artist’s use of various materials such as clay, wood, stone, fiberglass, copper, bronze, aluminium, plexiglass and stainless steel. The collection includes his innovative designs for furniture, carpets, dishes and jewellery, emphasizing the need to mix art with everyday life.
The Saloua Rauda Choucare Museum was designed by renowned Lebanese architect Karim Bektache to represent a masterpiece of modernism and environmental awareness. Bagdash’s vision was completely in harmony with the natural landscape of the surrounding environment, and the structure seemed to float above nature and protect the vegetation. The building is nestled among pine trees, barely affecting the landscape, as if it were a true celebration of Saloa Rauda Choucare’s philosophy that art should be part of everyday life.
The museum is open to visitors only by reservation.
About Salva
Saloua Raouda Choucair, a pioneer in the world of modern art, was born in Beirut in 1916. He moved to Paris in 1948, where he studied with Fernand Léger and was instrumental in founding the Atelier de l’Art Abstrait. Edgard Bellier and Jean Devasne. In 1951 he was one of the first Arab artists to exhibit his work at the “Realites Nouvelles” salon in the world, thus becoming a key figure in the modern international art movement. His works are now part of the permanent collections of the most important international museums.
Saloua Rauda Choukair’s works blend Western abstraction with Islamic aesthetics, strongly influenced by his interests in science, architecture, mathematics and Arabic poetry. He is particularly famous for combining the mathematical principles of Islamic art with modern abstract forms to create unique art that resonates with intellectual discipline on the one hand and poetic beauty on the other. His sculptures often reflect the concept of infinity and the interweaving of forms inspired by Sufi philosophy and Arabic poetry.
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