Hassan Shamass

Hassan Shamass was born in the town of Frat, in Byblos, Lebanon, in 1975. From an early age, he developed a passion for drawing, which was recognized when, at just twelve years old, he won first place in a regional art competition among the schools of Byblos and Keserwan. Though he never attended a formal art institute, his perseverance and dedication allowed him to refine his skills and nurture his talent on his own.

Working exclusively with oil paints, Shamass employs a distinctive range of unconventional tools in his creative process; from pins and knives to serrated wood and other unique instruments. His artistic vision is deeply rooted in Lebanese heritage, capturing the charm of traditional houses, wooden windows and doors, vintage cars, the faces of Byblos locals, and the harbors that define coastal life.

Shamss has taken part in major exhibitions across Lebanon, and his works have traveled far beyond, finding appreciation in many countries around the world; a testament to the universal resonance of his art.

On the canvas of time, he weaves symbolic narratives: the home that preserves the warmth of history, the car that reflects eras of transformation, and the tiled façades that cradle the passage of life. His art, though marked by simplicity, carries profound authenticity, a tribute to memory, heritage, and cultural evolution.