Lebanese artist, critic and poet Samir Sayegh is a pioneer of modernism in the Arab world. Driven by a deep interest in the formal power of letters, Sayegh sought to liberate calligraphy from language and meaning. The artist instead focuses on the aesthetic properties of the written word in an effort to create a universal visual language.

Often uniting ornamentation with calligraphic script, Sayegh has developed a distinctive practice. Through the formal elements of line and space, the artist abstracts Arabic letters and words into dynamic geometric compositions, which often cover the entire surface. Visually engaged with the modern art movement, geometric minimalism, Sayegh’s works bridge two artistic traditions to forge a unique contribution to the history of modernism.

Sayegh studied art history at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His research on traditional callig- raphy combined with his interest in contemporary design led Sayegh to invent new calligraphic typefaces and he has fashioned several logos. Also a prolific writer, Sayegh has published numerous articles and essays on art and aesthetics. From 2003-2007, he was a lecturer in the Architecture and Graphic Design department at the American University of Beirut. Samir Sayegh lives and works in Beirut.