Lebanese artist Anthony Abi was fascinated by art from a young age. As a child, he would paint for fun but his art took a backseat as he pursued his passion for music, before embarking on a corporate career in Qatar.
After many years working in the professional industry, Abi began to realise that his art was more than just a passion, it was something he wanted to pursue as a career. In 2018, he took the leap to launch his own art company with a unique style that would immediately capture clients’ attention.
Anthony’s art focuses on portraits imagined in a unique pop art style, which, at first glance, seems to be reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s iconic images. But Abi’s paintings are about more than simply what’s on the surface. Each portrait is a harmony and coexistence between two worlds, reality and fantasy, reminding the viewer that there’s more to this life than what we can see. His work is an invitation to look beyond the surface and is a celebration of the human spirit and all its complexities. Every portrait is a unique story waiting to be discovered and features a deeper level of understanding. The signature eye in his works symbolises the notion of seeing the tangible and intangible in life. Its exaggerated size symbolises a greater capacity for insights and understanding that sees beyond normal appearances.
While his art career is still in its infancy, Abi has exciting plans to expand his footprint further in the region, and ultimately across the world. In one of his first interviews, we discover more about his art and his exciting ambitions for the future.
How would you categorize your style of art, and why did you choose to go with this style?
My art focuses primarily on portraits, and what’s really visible in my work is that the face is not symmetrical. The idea is that every face is a marriage or a union between reality and fantasy, what’s on the surface and what’s beneath. I try to show that both worlds coexist to remind everyone that there is more to life than what we can see on the surface.
How do you decide on the subjects of your portraits?
One side of my work is that I take on commissions from clients to create portraits based on a brief. On the other hand, I always have my own collection, for which I choose the characters or faces based on celebrities, icons, or cartoon figures.
How did you come to follow your passion for art and turn it into a career?
I have always painted since I was young, but initially, it was more of a hobby. I started painting on a more professional level while still working at a multinational oil and gas company. It was something I used to do after work. Then, in 2018, I decided to work on my art full-time and take it to the next level.
Why did you decide to go with this pop-art style to your work?
When I was working in my corporate job in Qatar, I was looking for art pieces for my house, and when I was browsing through the works of artists, unfortunately, they were all somehow the same, and I wanted something different that would stand out. So I decided to create my own. I started experimenting and came up with this unique and unusual style, which I’m extremely proud of.
What are some of your favourite works that you have created?
That’s like asking someone about their favourite child! There are many that I love, and it’s a really hard question to answer, but there is always something about painting the faces of celebrities that allows me to really connect with the pieces.
Tell us about your creative process.
I follow my instincts and try to experiment as much as possible. Every piece should catch the attention and should be artistically correct. I am very picky, so if I like it, I’m usually quite certain that someone else will like it. I do many drafts, and I only stop experimenting when I reach a level that I like and, therefore, believe someone else will like. It can take anywhere from 10 days to a few weeks to create each portrait.
What’s the biggest challenge that you have faced while launching your career as an artist?
There’s not just one challenge, there are so many challenges that I don’t know where to start! Personal challenges, social challenges, risks, uncertainty, overthinking – it has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It was not easy at all, but you have to have patience and eventually, you will find yourself on the right path.
What is your vision for your brand?
My vision is to be the most famous artist in the world! Or maybe I could take second place as Michaelangelo has the first!
Looking back, where did your passion for art begin?
When I was nine years old, I started playing in a rock band. For a while, music was my priority, but I was also keen on painting. I got to the point where I started to choose painting over music, and at the beginning of 2018, I resumed painting on a more professional level. At this point, painting won over music and I’m hardly playing instruments anymore.
What’s the most rewarding part of what you do?
The positive feedback from my clients. It’s really hard to do something that people appreciate and are willing to pay for. When you start a new venture of any kind, customer feedback is the most important part.
Are there any artists who inspire you?
Yes, a lot. Some would be Michaelangelo, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and George Condo.
What are your thoughts on the art scene in the Middle East, and what would you like to see happening for artists in the region?
More light should absolutely be given to Middle Eastern artists because there are so many talented artists here. I believe that every real talent should have a chance to showcase their work on a further level, and this is the case for many good artists in the region.
What’s in the pipeline for you?
We are working on some collaborations with Middle Eastern artists that will be out soon. We will soon have some presence in Dubai through a collaboration with a gallery or a hotel. That will be revealed soon, so stay tuned!
What’s a message you would send to our readers to help them understand your art?
My art is beyond what you see. It makes you think more about the person themselves and go beyond what is on the surface. My artworks can be interpreted in individual ways. I don’t want to tell people what to do, but I give them complete freedom to express themselves when they see my art.
