The Power of the Ocean, 2023

Rawia Zantout  

Rawia Zantout is a Franco-Lebanese artist born in 1971 who lives and works in Beirut, Lebanon. She is an experienced artist whose paintings have been exhibited nationally but also in London, Paris and Dubai. Through central themes linked to nature and landscapes, she strives to reveal the secrets of nature through her works. In his artistic process, Zantout uses over fifteen layers of acrylic on canvas, creating attractive and “magical" textural effects.

Rawia Ghandour Zantout's story is a testament to the power of passion and determination. She grew up and studied in France. Despite his father's objection to pursuing artistic studies, Rawia never lost his love for the arts. While studying business and finance at the International University of Monaco, she also took several art classes and eventually became a self-taught artist. Rawia's work is heavily inspired by impressionist painters who lived and worked in the south of France, where she also studied. She is particularly drawn to the magical reflections found in nature and captures them beautifully in her art. Rawia's career began with creating art for children. She founded the “Mishmash Kids Club," which taught children painting and the skills needed to pursue an artistic career. Her art quickly gained recognition and she was commissioned to create a range of paintings for Banque Med, focusing on ecological themes present in her native country of Lebanon. His works have been distributed to thousands of bank customers in the form of lithographs.

In 2007, Rawia became interested in the political side of art, inspired by the unrest in her country. She created a painting which crystallizes the March 14 Revolution on Martyrs' Square, today hanging in the office of the former Prime Minister of Saad Hariri. Rawia's love of fine art led her to create her own world and style, characterized by the use of many layers of paint to give her paintings a textured 3D effect. She has been commissioned to paint several portraits of world and Lebanese leaders for official sites, including President Vladimir Putin, Ex-President Michel Aoun, Troels Povlsen, FPM Saad Hariri and FPM Fouad Seniora, which are displayed in various places. Rawia's work has attracted the attention of an elite clientele, art collectors, galleries and renowned interior designers.

His unique style and artistic vision have earned him a reputation as a rising artist in the art world, and his works are highly sought after by discerning tastes. Rawia's ability to communicate with her customers and understand their needs has helped her build strong relationships with them, which has enabled her to build customer loyalty and repeat business. Whether she is working on a commissioned piece for a high-end client or exhibiting her work in a gallery, Rawia's art never fails to impress and inspire those who encounter it. Rawia has participated in numerous exhibitions in Lebanon and abroad and has received several awards. She was also selected as a finalist for the Global Art Award in Dubai in 2018.