Joseph El Hourany

Joseph El Hourany is an artist who explores the concept of constraint through his dual roles as architect and sculptor, drawing inspiration from the beauty of limits and the serendipity of accidents. His sculptures capture moments where intellect transforms into poetry, creating an interplay of forms that evoke a sense of anti-gravity—a floating experience within the voids. His mission is to infuse color into forms, to enrich wood with shades and tones, embracing the nuances of adaptability and life.

Originating from the Beqaa Valley, a vast plain characterized by its clean horizon and distinct landforms, Hourany finds the disruptions in this flat landscape to be foundational to his artistic practice.

By merging the contradictions of his life into his art, Hourany allows intellect to collide with the poetic, where initial designs engage with the unique grain and character of each piece of wood. He embraces the liberating uncertainty of creativity, navigating this ambiguity through a steadfast commitment to technique, evident in his meticulous preparatory drawings and skilled hand-tooling of wood. He balances precision with a deep respect for the material, allowing poetry to emerge.

Joseph El Hourany holds an M.Arch (1999) and an MS in Urban Planning (2005) and resides in Lebanon. From 2006 to 2010, he pursued doctoral research on parametric architectural principles in the context of cybernetics. Since 1999, he has worked on various architectural and urban planning projects both in Lebanon and internationally. He also teaches and lectures at several research institutes and universities. His publications include The Future of the Past (2003, with John Carswell), Specimen Zero (2010), Specimen One (2011), Guvder (2012), and Henri Edde: Architecte Moderne (2019).

Hourany has exhibited widely, participating in the Aley International Symposium of Sculpture (1999) and showcasing his “mind maps” drawings at LA CENTRALE (2007, 2008—Montreal), UQAM (2008—Montreal), and ALBA (2011—Beirut). His sculptures have been featured at Saleh Barakat Gallery (2021—Beirut), IMA (2021—Paris), and at the Abu Dhabi Art Fair and Art Dubai from 2012 to 2024, among other venues. In 2023, he was elected president of the Arab Architects Organization.

Gallery Hours:

• Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM