Rana Chalabi is an established artist living between Beirut and Cairo. Her art
work reflects her varied interests but is dominated by her interest in movement
both physical and spiritual. Her background in Islamic art and architecture, in
which she holds an M.A. degree, and her work with world famous architect
Hassan Fathy can be seen in her watercolors of the old city of Cairo, as well as
the architectural landscapes of the oases. Sufism is her abiding love and her
dervishes and dancers reflect that passion. The minimalism of Zen and the
artistry of Arabic calligraphy have all been subjects of her. Her studios on the
Nile and in Beirut contain examples of other broad and varied expressions of her
art including portraits, Pharaonic collages and in her latest sculptures. She has
had numerous exhibits in Cairo as well as Paris, London, Vienna, Beirut, the
Arab-American Museum in the US and Tokyo. Her attitude towards her work is
clearly expressed in the following quote: “…our human need for beauty is not
simply a redundant addition to the list of human appetites. It is not something
that we could lack and still be fulfilled as people. It is a need arising from our
metaphysical condition as free individuals, seeking our place in an objective
world. We can wander through this world, alienated, resentful, full of suspicion
and distrust. Or we can find our home here, coming to rest in harmony with
others and with ourselves.