Draft:Michel Basbous

Michel Basbous in Ossip Zadkine's studio, Paris, France, 1954

Michel Basbous (1921–1981) was a Lebanese sculptor and painter known for his contributions to modernist sculpture in the Middle East. Born in Rachana, Lebanon, Basbous played a role in introducing contemporary artistic expressions to the region. His work often blends traditional influences with avant-garde elements, showcasing a unique fusion of form and material.

Basbous worked with a wide array of materials, including cement and resin, alongside classical mediums such as stone, marble, wood, and bronze. He also incorporated recycled materials and ready-made objects, such as car radiators, into his work. His sculptures are characterized by fluid lines and a connection to nature, reflecting an aesthetic that transcends cultural boundaries. Throughout his career, he drew inspiration from his surroundings, infusing his works with a sense of spirituality and cultural identity.

Early life and education

Michel Basbous began his artistic journey by studying at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) from 1945 to 1949. He then received a scholarship from the Lebanese Government, enabling him to further develop his skills at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) in Paris from 1949 to 1951. During this period, he immersed himself in the artistic milieu of Paris and refined his craft under the guidance of renowned sculptors.

Career

Basbous' artistic development advanced during his time in Paris, where he undertook a second apprenticeship from 1954 to 1955. During this period, he had the opportunity to work at the atelier of Ossip Zadkine (1888-1967), a prominent sculptor of the time. This experience enriched Basbous' artistic perspective and reinforced his commitment to modernist sculptural principles.

After his time in Paris, Basbous returned to Beirut, where he became part of Lebanon's growing artistic community. He participated in exhibitions and began teaching at the American University of Beirut. Despite the events of the 1958 Civil War, Basbous continued his artistic pursuits and contributed to the cultural landscape of Lebanon.

After the Civil War, Basbous returned to Rachana, where he established an open-air studio. Collaborating with his brothers Alfred (1924-2006) and Joseph (1929-2001), he aimed to develop the village as a hub for transdisciplinary art practices. Despite his return to rural life, Basbous remained connected to the broader artistic community, exhibiting his work both locally in Beirut and internationally. Basbous exhibited his work at several notable venues. In Paris, France, his work was displayed at the Halles Baltard, the Musée d’Art Moderne, and the Musée Zadkine. In the United Kingdom, he exhibited at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. In Japan, his work was shown at the Ueno Royal Museum and the Hakone Open Air Museum. Additionally, his work was showcased in Moscow and Leningrad in 1957, at the Musée Rodin in 1961 and 1966, in Oxford in 1971, and in Tokyo in 1973.

Michel Basbous received notable honors for his work in sculpture, including the President of the Republic Prize for sculpture in 1956, the inaugural Sursock Museum Prize for sculpture in 1968, and the Prize of the Alexandria Biennale in 1974.

Later years and legacy

Michel Basbous' life ended in 1981. His body of work, characterized by its innovative approach to form and material, continues to inspire and provoke contemplation. Basbous' wife, Thérèse, and his son, Anachar, inherited his artistic heritage, with Anachar following in his father's footsteps to become a sculptor.

In the context of Lebanon's exploration of its modern heritage, Basbous' work remains relevant, addressing the dynamics of modernity and its impact on society. His sculptures serve as reminders of the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and provoke reflection.