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ZENA ASSI

Profile Exhibitions Press

  • Zena Assi_BRIDGES OVER THE CITY SHORE_2016_Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_BUTTERFLIES IN MY STOMACH_2016_Mixed Media on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_I AM THE KING OF THE WORLD 1_2016_Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_I AM THE KING OF THE WORLD 2_2016_Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_LATE LATE LATE_2016_Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_LE PASSEUR_2016_Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY ON THE HILL_2016_Mixed Media on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_PULLING THE STRINGS_2016_Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_RED TANK_2016_Mixed Media on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_SHIPWRECK_2016_Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_THE FLY_2016_Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_UNDER THE TREE_2016_Mixed Media on Wood_61x46x4 cm

  • Zena Assi_PUT IT IN A COSTA ESPRESSO TIN_2017_Mixed Media on Canvas_150x150 cm

  • Zena Assi_PUT IT IN A HEINZ TOMATO KETCHUP TIN_2017_Mixed Media on Canvas_150x150 cm

  • Zena Assi_PUT IT IN A STARBUCKS COFFEE CUP_2017_Mixed Media on Canvas_150x150 cm

  • Zena Assi_PUT IT IN A TWININGS QUEENS MARY TEA TIN_2017_Mixed Media on Canvas_150x150 cm

  • Zena Assi_CITY WALL 1 & 2_2016_Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Canvas_220x180 cm (Each)

  • Zena Assi_CHARLIE ON A BRIDGE 1_2015, 1-1_Mixed Media and collage on Canvas_60 x 180 cm

  • Zena Assi_CHARLIE ON A BRIDGE 2_2015, 1-1_Mixed Media and collage on Canvas_60 x 180 cm

  • Zena Assi_DINGHY, 2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_HOME, 2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_I BELIEVE IN MAGIC_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_IT IS A JUNGLE OUT THERE 1_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_IT IS A JUNGLE OUT THERE 2_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_LIFEBOAT 1_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_LIFEBOAT 2_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY NESTED OVER A BRIDGE_2015_1-1_Mixed Media and collage on Canvas_100 x 200 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY NESTED OVER A TANK 1_2015_1-1_Mixed Media and collage on Canvas_100 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY NESTED OVER RAOUCHE_2015_1-1_Mixed Media and collage on Canvas_100 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY NESTED OVER THE MACHINE_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_100 x 200 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY ON A TANK 2_2015_1-1_Mixed Media and collage on Canvas_100 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY ON A TANK 2_2015_1-1_Mixed Media and collage on Canvas_100 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_PORTRAIT IN APRIL_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_100 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_PORTRAIT IN FEBRUARY_2015_1-1_Mixed Media and collage on Canvas_100 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_RAOUCHE_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_SALE UP TO 50%_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_SALE UP TO 70%_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_SHELTER_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_TIC-TAC-TIC_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_TREE OF LIFE 2_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_WITH LOVE_2015_1-1_Mixed Media on Canvas_50 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER 29799_Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm_1-1_2013

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER 59742_Mixed media on canvas_125 x 125 cm_1-1_2013-low res

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER 16, 495 ,1278_Mixed media on canvas, 180 x 50cm_1-1_2013

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER 73, 74_Mixed media on canvas_50 x 50cm_1-1_2013

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER 88 ,89_Mixed media on canvas_135 x 135 cm_1-1_2012-low res

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER 7719_Mixed media on canvas_50 x 50cm_1-1_2013

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER 7813_Mixed media on canvas_50 x 50 cm_1-1_2013

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER 8963_Mixed media on canvas_125 x 125cm_1-1_2013

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER 11714_Mixed media on canvas_125 x 125cm_1-1_2013

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIER ,43701, 43702 ,43703_Mixed media on canvas_220 x 180cm_1-1_2013

  • Zena Assi_TOY SOLDIER_Bronze_68 x58 x 52 cm_1-3_2013 hi res

  • Zena Assi_Newsflash from Syria_1- 25_Mixed media and collage on canvas_150 x 200 cm - low res

  • Zena Assi_BUG SOLDIERS 1, v1 and v2 _2013_Mixed media on canvas, framed by bullets and wood_77x77cm each

  • Zena Assi_A BENCH WITH A VIEW ,1,2_2011_Mixed media and collage on canvas_170 x 240 cm

  • Zena Assi_BOUQUET LILIES_2011_mixed media on canvas_140 x 140 cm

  • Zena Assi_BOUQUET BLANCHE_2011_mixed media on canvas_170 x170 cm

  • Zena Assi_BOUQUET EN BROUILLON_2011_mixed media on canvas_200 X 200 CM

  • Zena Assi_Bouquet in autoportrait_2011_Mixed Media_200 x 200 cm

  • Zena Assi_BOUQUET PENSEES_2011_mixed media on canvas_140 x 140 cm

  • Zena Assi_NOVEMBER AGAIN_2011_ Mixed media on canvas_220 x 180 cm S

  • Zena Assi_LES ASSIS 1_2011_Metal, papier mach, paint and wood_134 x 83 x 72 c

  • Zena Assi_LES ASSIS 2_2011_metal, papier mache, paint and wood_140 x 84 x 70 c

  • Zena Assi_LES ASSIS 3_2011 Metal, Papier Mache, Paint and wood_130 x 75 x 85 cm

  • Zena Assi_LES ASSIS 4_2011 Metal, Papier Mache, Paint and Wood_165 x 87 x 108 cm

  • Zena Assi_AMAS DE CITE_2010_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_100 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_CITE EN CONTRE-PLONGEE_2010_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_70 x 70 cm

  • Zena Assi_CITYMEN_2009_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_125 x 95 cm

  • Zena Assi_COVERED BY MY CITY_2010_1_Mixed media and collage on canvas_120 x 120 cm

  • Zena Assi_DIPTYCH LA VIE EN ROSE 1 & 2_2010_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_150 x 30 cm

  • Zena Assi_DIPTYCH NO PARKING IN MY CITY 1 & 2_2010_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_40 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_EN CONTRE-JOUR_2010_1_Mixed media on canvas_230 x 40 cm

  • Zena Assi_FIFTEEN 2010_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_200 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_HANDS IN POCKETS 1 & 2_2010_1_Mixed media on canvas_207 x 90 + 73 x 90 cm

  • Zena Assi_I LOVE GEMMAYZE_2009_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_70 x 70 cm

  • Zena Assi_LE JOUEUR DE FLUTE_2010_1_Mixed media on canvas_188 x 92 cm

  • Zena Assi_LEs MYOPES_2009_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_70 x 70 cm

  • Zena Assi_LES PIETONS_2009_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_100 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_LETREINTE_2010_1_Mixed media on canvas_180 x 80 cm

  • Zena Assi_LIGNE d HORIZON_2009_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_150 x 50 cm

  • Zena Assi_MASS MOVEMENT 1 & 2_2009_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_189 x 82 + 71 x 82 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY IN BLUE 1 & 2 - DIPTYCH_2010_1 _Mixed media and collage on canvas_150 x 30 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY, MY PLANET_2010_1_Collage and mixed media on canvas_120 x 120 cm

  • Zena Assi_EGON OBSESSION_2008_Mixed media and spray on canvas_120 x 120 cm S

  • Zena Assi_HEAD OVER HEELS_2008_Mixed media on canvas_220 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_MONDAY TO SUNDAY_2008_Mixed media on collage on canvas_150 x 30 cm

  • Zena Assi_MY CITY IN A SQUARE_2008_Acrylic, collage and ink on canvas_100 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_PINK WINDOWS_2008_Mixed media on canvas_165 x 133 cm

  • Zena Assi_PORTRAIT OF EGON 2_2008_Mixed media and oil on canvas_70 x 70 cm

  • Zena Assi_PREGNANT WOMAN_2008_Mixed_media on canvas_160 x 160 cm

  • Zena Assi_QUADRIPTYCH MY CITY 1-4_2008_Acrylic, collage and ink on canvas_165 x 133 cm

  • Zena Assi_THE BALLERINA_2008_Mixed media on canvas_140 x 140 cm

  • Zena Assi_THE GATHERING_2009_Mixed media on canvas_180 x 90 cm

  • Zena Assi_THE UMBRELLA_2008_Mixed media on canvas_250 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_WAITING FOR HIS TURN_2008_Mixed media on canvas_180 x 100 cm

  • Zena Assi_WEEK 2-MONDAY- SUNDAY_2009_Mixed media on canvas_150 x 30 cm

ZENA ASSI

Born in Lebanon, in 1974, Zena Assi lives and works between Beirut and London.

Zena graduated with honors from l’Academie Libanaise des Beaux Arts (ALBA), worked in advertising and taught in different universities. Her contemporary work on canvas draws inspiration from the relations and conflicts between the individual and his spatial environment, society and its surroundings. Her pieces are punctuated by strong visual references to her native Beirut and the predicament of its citizens. Zena uses various supports and mediums to document and explore the cultural and social changes of her country. Her work takes shape in installation, animation, sculpture, and mainly paintings on canvas and replicates the tumult, angst and cacophony that everyday life in the city is fraught with. Zena’s use of pallid colors, jagged angular outlines and intricate layering, imbues inanimate objects, landscapes, and buildings with the emotional burdens of their inhabitants. Themes that are central to her vision include present-day issues related to countries in the Middle East as they battle with internal strife and civilian unrest. Many of her pieces were repeatedly shown in different international auction houses (Christie’s Dubai, Sotheby’s London, and Bonhams London) and are part of various public as well as private collections.

EXHIBITONS

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

  • 2017 “Put it in a Tin | My City-Wall”, artsawa, Dubai, UAE
  • 2016 “My City Shore”, artsawa, Dubai, UAE
  • 2014 “Framing My City”, Alwane Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2013 “Bug Soldiers”, artsawa, Dubai, UAE
  • 2012 “Still Nature”, artsawa, Dubai, UAE
  • 2011 “Omissions Selectives”, Alwane Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2010 “Cityphilia”, Albareh Gallery, Manama, Bahrain
  • 2010 “Mass Movement”, artsawa, Dubai, UAE
  • 2009 “Public Space”, artsawa, Dubai, UAE
  • 2009 “Un peu de Beyrouth”, Alwane Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2008 “Cite et Citadins”, Alwane Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

  • 2017 57th La Biennale di Venezia, Grenada Pavilion
  • 2017 The London Art Biennale, Chelsea Old Town, London, UK
  • 2017 The Lynn Painter-Stainters Prize, London, UK
  • 2017 The Pastel Society's 118th Annual Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London, UK
  • 2016 The Thames, the artery of London, London, UK
  • 2016 Portrait in April, Saatchi Gallery On Screen, London, UK
  • 2015 Start Auction, Paddle 8
  • 2014 Art14 London Fair, Olympia, Kensington, London, UK
  • 2013 Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • 2013 Syri-Arts Auction, Beirut Exhibition Center, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2013 Art13 London Fair, Olympia, Kensington, London, UK
  • 2013 Pullman Art Night, Dubai, UAE
  • 2013 ArtNight special Edition- DIFC, artsawa, Dubai, UAE
  • 2013 Journey through our heritage, Beirut Exhibition Center, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2013 Atfal Souriyah, Mark Hachem, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2012 OverTure, Miami Art fair, Miami, USA
  • 2012 Dress Code Project, Contemporary Art Platform “CAP” Kuwait
  • 2012 The Lebanese Creations 1959, 2012, Espace Claude Lemand, Paris, France
  • 2012 XXXI salon d’Automne Musée Sursock , Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2011 Subtitled, Royal College of Art, London, UK
  • 2011 Acquired by the Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah, UAE
  • 2011 XXX Salon d’Automne Musée Sursock - Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2011 Shubbak, London, UK
  • 2011 Menasart Fair, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2011 Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • 2011 Rebirth, Beirut Exhibition Center, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2010 XXII Biennale of Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
  • 2010 Zoom, Miami, USA
  • 2010 Contemparabia, Dome, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2009 Prize: BMW, mini cooper’s 50th anniversary, ‘best design for the Middle East’
  • 2009 Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • 2009 Prize: mention spéciale du jury XXIX salon d’automne Musée Sursock, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2008 Regards d’artistes II, Alwane Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2008 Creative Expressions, artsawa, Dubai, UAE
  • 2008 Art Paris Abu Dhabi art fair, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • 2008 Opening, artsawa, Dubai, UAE
  • 2008 XXVIII Salon d'Automne, Musée Sursock, Lebanon
  • 2006 Collective Exhibition, Alwane Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2006 XXVII Salon d'Automne, Musée Sursock, Lebanon
  • 2005 XXVI Salon d'Automne, Musée Sursock, Lebanon

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • Margaret, Obank, “Zena Assi: Cover Story”, Banipal Magazine, issue. 32, London, cover and first pages: (2008).
  • Al Ali, Nawal, “Cite et Citadins”, Min Wa Ila Magazine, Jerusalem, cover page and p1013: (August 2008).
  • Malhamé Harfouche, Nicole, “Cité et Citadins: Peintures Signée Zena Assi Farah”, La Revue du Liban , issue. 4165, Lebanon, p34: (5-12 July 2008).
  • Khalaf, Colette, “Dans le Mégalopolis de Zena Assi”, L’Orient le Jour, Lebanon, p6: (2 July 2008).