Additional info:
Omar Onsi remains a pivotal figure in Lebanese Modernism, profoundly documenting and shaping the region’'s cultural landscape. Born into a distinguished family in Tallet Khayat, Beirut, Onsi was immersed in a rich cultural environment that catalysed his significant role as an artist. He began under the mentorship of Khalil Saleeby, who scouted him after noticing his works at the Syrian Protestant College (now the American University of Beirut). His early works depicted the natural vistas and daily life of Lebanon’s diverse landscapes, inhabitants, and customs. Onsi’s explorations extended beyond Lebanon, capturing sights from Syria, Jordan, and Palestine with exceptional sensitivity. His commitment to his craft took him to Paris, where he honed his technique at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière and the Académie Colarossi. Onsi co-founded the Lebanese Association for Artists, Painters, and Sculptors and served as a board member of the Sursock Museum. His enduring legacy was commemorated in a 1997 retrospective at the Sursock Museum, underscoring his profound impact on Lebanon’s artistic history.
