Shawki Youssef’s work is deeply influenced by the sensory perception of his environment in Lebanon. Through both his artistic practice and theoretical musings, his pieces delve into themes of human vulnerability and trauma, frequently by experimenting with the physical limits of his materials. His art practice can be best understood through his lens of experimentation. Notably, Youssef subjects his sketches and paintings to water immersion, a method that both challenges and reveals the resilience of his creations. 

Shawki Youssef (b. 1973, Lebanese) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work oscillates between the vibrant and eccentric to the quietly profound, embodying the extremes of life and death that define the contemporary Lebanese experience. Educated at the Lebanese University's Institute of Fine Arts and holding an MSc in Intercultural Mediation from St. Joseph University, Youssef skillfully blends his academic insights into his art, exploring the deep-seated impacts of conflict and political turmoil on the human condition. Youssef most recently exhibited in Paris, Beirut, and Lisbon, and has participated in several group shows worldwide. His works are featured in notable collections such as the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah and the Salsali Private Museum in Dubai.