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Fight AI Slop with Real Art: Lebanese Art You Can Support
It’s actually so cool to be able to say something was made by a human being. Like someone actually spent hours sewing, making, hand painting, and crafting art? That’s the coolest thing ever, and we think it’s even cooler to support real people pursuing their passions.
We compiled a list of Lebanese artists who create real art. We’d love to add more to this list, so make sure to share any businesses we might have missed! But if you think AI art is real art, we recommend clicking right off this article.
1. Rayan Yehya
Rayan is a Lebanese ceramic artist who works with clay. She founded her own ceramics studio near City Centre Beirut, where she produces small batches of handcrafted pottery and offers classes for those interested in trying their hand at the craft. Drawing on her background in architecture, she creates unique and functional pieces!
2. Shams
Shams creates handmade embroidered and beaded pieces inspired by Lebanese heritage. Her work is very hands on, telling stories about Lebanon through textiles, stitches, and intricate details.
3. JINAN Beyrouth
Founded by Jinan Jadayel, she creates jewelry inspired by Lebanese and Arab identity, incorporating Arabic lettering and cultural references into her designs. Her pieces include personalized letter jewelry and accessories that bring heritage into everyday wear.
4. Piece Of Soul
Piece Of Soul makes handmade stationery, including journals, notebooks, and planners. Its creations use recycled paper, hand-bound techniques, and carefully designed covers. It makes everyday stationery a little more personal. Did you know you could book DIY leather bag journal workshops, done in collaboration with Gael Ghattas?
5. Z E N O B I E
Founded by illustrator Zeina Bassil, ZENOBIE is a Beirut-based design brand specializing in lifestyle products, homeware, and stationery. Its colorful illustrations draw inspiration from Mediterranean myths, stories, and legends, with products designed and made in Lebanon alongside local artisans.
6. Plan BEY
Plan BEY is an independent Beirut-based artisan-publisher and concept store that collaborates with local and regional artists to produce limited-edition prints, artist books, posters, and other creative objects.
7. Thurayya Khalidi Zreik
Thurayya Khalidi Zreik is an illustrator working across pen and ink, linocut, and pixel art. Her portfolio brings together different illustration techniques, including detailed traditional drawings and digital creations. You can actually find some of her work at Mavia Bakery! Read more about that here.
8. Dorrwaves
Dorrwaves turns their ink drawings, sketches, and paintings into prints that people can purchase and take home. It brings original Lebanese artwork to a wider audience through accessible, collectible pieces.
Anyone else we can add to the list? Let us know!
Make sure to check out the #Support Local section on our website for more.
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