Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Nadia Saikali Biography
Nadia Saikali, born in 1936 in Beirut, Lebanon, is a distinguished Abstract Expressionist painter whose artistic journey and contributions have been recognized and celebrated in various parts of the world. Saikali's passion for art was nurtured from a young age, leading her to pursue formal education in the field. She graduated from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) in 1956, a foundational step that set the stage for her future endeavors in the art world.
Following her graduation, Saikali further honed her skills by studying at the prestigious Académie de la Grande Chaumière and L'École des Arts Decoratifs. Her education was complemented by training in the studios of notable artists such as Henri Goetz, Michel Durand, and Donnot Seydoux. This period of intense learning and development allowed Saikali to immerse herself in the world of abstract expressionism, a movement that emphasizes spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation.
Saikali's work is characterized by a unique blend of abstract and figurative styles, often exploring themes of nature and human spirituality. Her paintings are known for their vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and emotional depth, reflecting her personal experiences and the broader human condition. Throughout her career, Saikali has been highly attracted to the works of Cezanne and the principles of Cubism, which have influenced her non-objective painting style.
In the 1960s, Saikali's career began to gain momentum. She lived in Glasgow for a brief period before returning to Beirut, where she actively participated in the city's vibrant art scene. She presented her work in various prestigious exhibitions, including the annual Salon du Printemps at the UNESCO Palace and the Salon d’Automne at the Sursock Museum. Her solo exhibitions in Beirut were held at notable venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center, the L’Orient newspaper headquarters, the Goethe Institute, and Contact Art Gallery. In 1967, she made her mark on the international stage by participating in the São Paulo Biennial.
Saikali's commitment to art education was evident through her teaching roles at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux Arts and the Lebanese University. She played a significant part in nurturing the next generation of artists, sharing her knowledge and passion for abstract expressionism.
The Lebanese Civil War, which began in 1975, had a profound impact on Saikali's life and career. Amid the turmoil, she made the difficult decision to permanently move to France in 1979. Despite the challenges, Saikali continued to create and exhibit her work, which features in the collections of prestigious institutions such as the Sursock Museum, Beirut; the Society of Lebanese Architects and Engineers, Beirut; the Nadia Tueni Foundation, Beit Mery; the JPMorgan Chase Art Collection, New York; the City of Paris; the National Contemporary Art Fund, Paris; and the Royal Institute Galleries, London.
Saikali's artistic achievements have been recognized by various art foundations and museums. Her work is part of the collection of the Barjeel Art Foundation, and she has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including "The Memory Sews Together Events That Hadn’t Previously Met" at the Sharjah Art Museum in 2020. In 2022, her work was included in the exhibition "Manifesto of Fragility: Beirut and The Golden Sixties" at the Gropius Bau in Berlin, which later traveled to the Lyon Biennial in Lyons, France, and then to the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. In 2023, Saikali's work was showcased in the exhibition "Action, Gesture, Paint: Women Artists and Global Abstraction 1940-1970" at the Whitechapel Gallery in London.
Saikali's life and work are a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. Her contributions to the field of abstract expressionism and her role as an educator have left an indelible mark on the art world, making her one of the most respected and influential artists of her time.
Nadia Saikali 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
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