Being Anachar Basbous Issue #60

I first met Anachar Basbous in December 2015 during his solo show at Saleh Barakat Gallery. This was such a striking and memorable encounter that we have remained friends since that time. You could say, perhaps, that our connection, albeit loosely, in some way predated our first meeting, as Rachana – his ancestral village - was a familiar destination during my childhood, when I would join my father on his frequent visits there to a close friend of his from the Basbous family. It was a great pleasure, therefore, to return to Rachana recently. This last visit was an enriching experience, seeing Anachar and meeting his family, and above all being able to explore his work and the Michel Basbous Museum, dedicated to his late artist father, located on the family estate.

In this issue I invite you all to meet Anachar, his family, and his art, through this special edition of “Being Anachar Basbous “. As well as hearing from Anachar himself, we invited other distinguished guests to share glimpses of their connection to him and his world: Gregory Buchakjian examines the father-son legacy; art historian Thierry Savatier traces the rise of an artist in the context of his familial roots; gallerist Saleh Barakat reflects on the artist’s career to date; Randa Armanazi reveals her role in supporting art and the artist’s work in public space; Dalloul Art Foundation founder Dr Basel Dalloul enthuses on the artist as a talented force and a dear friend; Jussi Pylkkänen, global president of Christie’s auction house, shares the story behind the work that takes pride of place in his office; gallerist Claude Lemand writes about the artist’s upcoming project at IMA in Paris; and architect Jawdat Arnouk reveals more about his collaboration with Anachar on the Mohtaraf Anachar Basbous (MAB) project to be launched in September 2022.

A special thank you goes to Elma, Anachar’s wife, who helped us gather as much information as possible to ensure that this issue offers you an insightful perspective on “Being Anachar Basbous”.

Rima Naser - Founder