By the mid-1960s Guiragossian grew to become one of the most celebrated artists in Lebanon and internationally recognised. Guiragossian's oeuvre conveys an evolution of an abstract practice that originated in figurative portraiture. He started painting cinema banners, posters and drawing illustrations for books at an early age.
“Facts of existence are the main source of my artistic experience. Art for me starts from the 'real'.”
Guiragossian's painting L’Absence is clearly structured and composed. The impulsive and powerful brushstrokes create dynamism and a delightful musical rhythm, overseen by subtle warm tones of reds, cedar greens and touches of yellow and white.
Mrs. Amal Joumblatt (1949-1982) was a widely celebrated Lebanese poet. L’Absence was specially painted upon Joumblatt’s personal request, to adorn the cover of her collection of poems published in 1974. The combination of the two accomplished and talented artists make the work so incredibly special and unique. L’Absence is a beautiful delineation of both Paul Guiragossian and Amal Joumblatt’s moods, inspirations and friendship.
L’Absence, 1974. Inner pages of Ms Amal Joumblatt’s book of poetry, detailing in French that the painting was created specifically for the book. Courtesy of the Paul Guiragossian Foundation.
