(1901 - 1957)
Biography and Statement:
A contemporary Lebanese artist born in Beirut in the year 1901, he studied under Coromaldi and Calcagnodoro.
A graduate of the Royal College of Fine Arts in Rome on the year 1927. While in Rome participated in its largest exhibits. (Roma Biennale 1926).
After receiving the Art Diploma from Italy he proceeded to Paris where he studied under famous French painters, of whom (Paul CHABAS ) President of the Society of French Artists, ( Forian, Jules CROWN, Bompard ). He exhibited in the famous French exhibition hall known as "the Salon" and was highly valued by leading French Art papers.
Returned to Beirut in the year 1932 and held several exhibitions of which were a large one at the American University of Beirut and another at the school of Arts & Crafts, all were highly appraised and appreciated for representing true life pictures of this country and its customs.
To spread the knowledge of Fine Arts in Lebanon he started teaching at the American University of Beirut, Teachers Training school, and started lecturing at the "Cenacle Libanais."
The outstanding Lebanese painter of his generation, Farroukh is noted for his clear colors and his Historic and National subjects. With a special care to study the spirit of Nature and the Character of people with the purpose of recreating the local context. He is in full control of his Art as a result of his deep understanding of the basic rules and strength of the painting profession.
In 1940 he exhibited his paintings in the International Exhibition in New York and his name was registered in the Benezit International Dictionary of Art in the year 1950. He is the founder of a unique revolutionary school of Arts recognized by leaders of the Cultural world locally and abroad.
He died after a severe sickness in 1957.
Farroukh received the first prize of the President of the Republic for the year 1955, the Lebanese order of Merit, and the order of the Cedar (knight and Officer).
His total paintings were more than 2000 sold to collectors inside and outside the Lebanon.
He wrote five books, (Bilad AL Majd Almafkoud) a study of the Andalusian Art, an Auto biography in a Form of novel (the story of a person from Lebanon) and (Art & Life) which is a collection of lectures and art studies, and (woujouh el Asr) works in Indian ink, and an autobiography "Tariki Ila Alfan".
International Exhibitions:
Biennale Rome 1926
Salon de Paris 1930 and 1931
New York International Exhibition 1939
Exhibition at the museum folklore Romano 1977
Barbikan center London 1989
Institut du monde arabe 1990
Centre of contemporary art Barcelona April 2005
Centre of Modern art Valencia September 2005
International Auctions:
Paris Drouot 1993
London Sotheby's May 2001
London Sotheby's Oct. 2001
Dubai Christies June 2007
Paris Christies June 2009
A film on YouTube showing Moustafa Farroukh's artwork
![dessin[1]](http://onefineart.com/uploads/dessin%5B1%5D.jpg)
9 dessins à l'encre de chines - Composition 47 x 33 cm
There’s a saying that every picture tells a story. But never was this phrase used more accurately than in the case of master artist Mustafa Farroukh’s‘ Tabkhit al-Bass’ (Cooking of Stones). This oil painting by the Lebanese-born contemporary artist has a truly poignant tale behind the picture that we can all see.
Commissioned in 1955 by the Islamic Art Society just two years before Farroukh’s death, the painting depicts a well-documented legend believed to be a true happening which took place during the early days of Islam just after the prophet Mohammed’s death, during the reign of Omar Bin Al Khatab, the second Khalifa of Islam. Its subject is an impoverished mother who, because she has no money to buy food, is cooking stones on a fire in the hope that her hungry children will drift off to sleep thinking that there will be something for them to eat when they wake up. Watching this heart-breaking scene in disguise is the Khalifa and his Grand Wazir (Prime Minister) who, having brought real food themselves, are now cooking for the family. The Khalifa is pictured kneeling and blowing on the fire while the mother and her children, huddled together, look on.The atmosphere in this wonderful painting is evoked through the use of bold, dark oils which manage to conjure up the night-time scene and also the bleak experience that the family were going through.
The artist was born in Beirut in 1901, studied at the Royal College of Fine Arts in Rome, graduating in 1927. He then moved to Paris where he studied under a number of well-known French painters. During these years, he made a name for himself as an emerging artist, participating in major exhibitions. Farroukh returned to Beirut in 1932, where he began teaching. He also wrote five books, which included putting his lectures into print. This stemmed from his strong desire to pass on his deep understanding of the basic rules of painting that he had learned and perfected during his own studies. He continued to work prolifically himself, producing breath-taking landscapes, portraits and still-life, which were clearly and authentically deeply rooted in their natural surroundings.
In 1955, Farroukh received the first prize of the President of the Republic, the Lebanese order of Merit, and the Order of the Cedar (Knight and Officer). Surely a sign that his country, as well as critics worldwide, recognized the huge talent that he possessed.
Address: Kfar Mashoun, near the Naamtallah Hardini Church Edde Jbeil-Byblos, Lebanon
Email: [email protected]
Call: +961 3 348919
