Abdul Rahman Katanani “Abwab Al Hikaya”

Katanani’s Monumental Weavings

Abdul Rahman Katanani began a series of monumental weavings inspired by traditional Palestinian embroideries (Tatreez) more than a year before the pivotal events of October 7, 2023. The series now includes nine sculptural objects, weavings, or embroideries. Together, they trace a deep shift in the artist’s internal world, closely mirroring external events in the region.

Industrial Menace Meets Formal Abstraction

These works hover between industrial menace and painterly abstraction. Yet, they retain a lightness of touch that is distinctively Katanani’s. Familiarity with his work reveals the grace he imparts, even in the face of brutality, hardness, and harsh machinery.

A New Life for Hard Materials

Katanani transforms hard materials, often with industrial or barbaric origins, into something entirely new. His careful manipulation and handwork breathe new life into these materials. Despite their origins, they retain their materiality while embodying joy and vitality. His work is an astonishing re-birth, often opposite to its original use.

Biography

Abdul Rahman Katanani was born in 1983 in Sabra, Lebanon. He currently lives and works in Beirut. He holds a Fine Arts diploma from Lebanese University, Institute of Fine-Arts (2007), and a Master’s of Fine Arts from the same institution (2013).

Exhibitions and Collections

Since graduation, Katanani has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions both in Lebanon and internationally. His recent solo exhibitions include Rituals at Gallery Magda Danysz, Paris (2021), Self Portrait Total at Gallery Analix Forever, Switzerland (2020), and Brainstorm at Saleh Barakat Gallery, Beirut (2019). His works are held in major collections, including Accor Hotels, France; Boghossian Foundation, Brussels; Dalloul Art Foundation, Beirut; and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha, Qatar.