Interview
Le Boulanger (Fouad El-Khabbaz)
A Canadian-Lebanese artist, poet, and fiction writer, who began his artistic journey in Toronto after moving from Lebanon in 2005, now calls Montreal his home. His formative years in Lebanon, amidst significant historical events, deeply colored his artistic and literary voice. This unique heritage enriches his work with a fusion of cultural narratives and personal insights, allowing him to narrate historical stories through a personal lens. His arrival in Toronto marked the beginning of new challenges and experiences, yet his commitment to expressing himself through various artistic mediums remained unwavering.
This dedication to his craft was celebrated when he was awarded the second prize at the prestigious 2023 Batroun International Festival for his photography. Additionally, in a significant international accomplishment, one of his digital artworks was featured in a digital exhibition in New York's Times Square in December, a testament to his growing global recognition. This notable achievement will be highlighted in an article set to be published in January. Blending his Information Technology expertise with his artistic talent, he creates a harmonious blend of traditional and digital art forms. His works, which span visual art, poetry, and fiction, often explore themes of human resilience and courage, emphasizing the transformative power of art and literature. His literary contributions, encompassing both poetry and fiction, reflect his deep Lebanese-Canadian roots. These writings are not just narratives; they are windows into a world where two cultures coalesce, offering insights into a life shaped by diverse experiences. With a diverse professional background, he brings a comprehensive perspective to his storytelling. His passion for narrative, nurtured in a childhood surrounded by books and influenced by notable cultural figures, has grown into a profound storytelling ability. From Montreal, he manages an online gallery that exhibits his digital artwork and promotes his literary creations. This platform is a vibrant showcase of his journey as an artist and writer, where each piece, be it digital art, a poem, or a story, narrates tales of exploration, resilience, and relentless creative pursuit. In essence, this artist, who began his Canadian journey in Toronto and now resides in Montreal, is more than a poet and fiction writer. His recent international exposure in New York's Times Square cements his status as a multifaceted artist. He embodies the enduring human spirit's ability to overcome adversity, weaving tales of resilience and dreams through his evocative art and words, truly representing the essence of a creative and globally recognized artist.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Born and raised in Batroun, Lebanon, and now living in Montreal, Canada, my journey in the art world began with my deep Lebanese roots that are evident in my work. My move to Canada in 2005 marked a new phase in my artistic exploration, where I began to blend my Lebanese heritage with my experiences in Canada. My profession as a business systems analyst, combined with my passion for photography, digital art, writing, and poetry, allowed me to explore a unique blend of traditional and digital art forms.”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration comes from a fusion of my Lebanese heritage and my experiences in Canada. Historical events, cultural narratives, and personal insights from both worlds influence my work, providing a rich tapestry of themes and emotions to draw from.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Many of my works focus on the Mediterranean and my hometown, exploring themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the beauty of these regions. Flowers also play a significant role in my art, symbolizing the delicate balance of beauty and fragility in life. These natural elements reflect the complexities and charm of Mediterranean life and represent a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and growth. The underlying message in my work is one of strength and hope, interwoven with an appreciation for the transient yet enduring beauty of the natural world.”
“My inspiration comes from a fusion of my Lebanese heritage and my experiences in Canada.”
How would you describe your work?
“My art blends traditional and digital techniques, capturing the essence of the Mediterranean and the cultural richness of Lebanon. Characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, my work bridges historical depth with contemporary expression.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Alongside the varied influences from Lebanese and Mediterranean artists, I am deeply inspired by the impressionist master Claude Monet. His use of color, light, and his approach to capturing the natural world have significantly shaped my artistic vision.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process involves capturing elements of the Mediterranean and my hometown through photography, followed by artistic transformation using digital techniques. This process creates multi-layered artworks that are both visually compelling and thematically rich.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“As an artist, I see my role as twofold: firstly, as a storyteller capturing the beauty and complexities of diverse societies, with a special focus on the rich cultural and coastal landscapes of my Lebanese hometown. Secondly, I view my artistic mission as a means to make my hometown more known worldwide, acting as a form of archival documentation. Through my art, I aim to preserve and showcase the evolving architecture of my hometown, capturing its transformation in the face of modernity. This role is increasingly significant in today's globalized world, where understanding and preserving cultural heritage amidst rapid changes is essential.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Among my notable exhibitions, the Batroun International Festival, where my photography was acclaimed, stands out. Furthermore, the display of my artwork in New York's Times Square, which depicted a tender moment between a father and his daughter sleeping on his lap in a bus, was a significant highlight. This particular piece, while diverging from my usual focus on my hometown, resonated universally, showcasing my versatility as an artist and my ability to capture poignant, everyday human experiences. These exhibitions have been instrumental in broadening the audience for my work, emphasizing its universal appeal and the diverse range of themes I explore through my art.”
