Arleb by Nabad interviews Beirut-based Lebanese visual artist Maral Maniss whose works blurs the distinction between abstraction and representation. 

Arleb by Nabad – Tell us about your background.

Maral Maniss – I have a Master’s degree in visual arts from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Lebanese University. 

Arleb by Nabad – What is the experience that has influenced your work the most? 

Maral Maniss – Uniqueness, passion, persistence, color, freedom, concept and contemporary art-style build my unbreakable self-trust as a female artist in our male society.

Arleb by Nabad – Which subjects or themes are you working on?

Maral Maniss – Everyday and common issues, but also and especially women rights and women empowerment.

Arleb by Nabad – What is your creative process like?

Maral Maniss – I am inspired by everything that surrounds me, women rights, politics, social and economic issues…That’s how my artistic journey starts.

Arleb by Nabad – What was the impact of the Beirut port explosions (August 4, 2020) on your work as an artist/creative enterprise? 

Maral Maniss – To be honest, I was/am still directly affected by the port’s explosions since I live and work at Mar Mikhael, next to the port. I lost almost everything, my son was injured, a balcony fell on and crashed my car, my apartment was heavily damaged, as well as my studio — I lost my art supplies, materials, tools, my artworks, … and I am waiting for support from our “government” or NGOs.

Arleb by Nabad – What are, according to you, the roles of arts and culture in social, economic, environmental or political change? 

Maral Maniss – Art influences society by changing people’s points of views. It’s an effective way of communication with colors and lines. It is in fact a unique way for social change. Art is a representation of cultures and civilizations for the next generations. Without artistic creations, there can be no art history or innovation.

Arleb by Nabad – What are, according to you, the main challenges/obstacles facing artists/creative enterprises in Lebanon nowadays? 

Maral Maniss – There are too many challenges and obstacles: lack of art knowledge so most people can’t appreciate nor encourage arts, economic issues and lack of visibility, high fees to be able to exhibit in galleries and fairs, lack of financial support from the government to be able to create, and lack of support for female artists.

CHECK OUT MARAL MANISS PROFILE AND ARTWORKS FOR SALE ON ARLEB.