Arleb by Nabad interviews Chloé Sleilati, a Beirut-based illustrator. Trained at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), her work is often inspired by the natural environment, including animals, flowers and plants.

Arleb by Nabad – Tell us about your background.

Chloé Sleilati – I’m a Lebanese artist living in Beirut. I studied illustration and comics at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA) and will get my master’s degree in this same field in a few months. 

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

Chloé Sleilati – I have always been close to animals and nature. I hike often and have been horse riding since I was a kid. It has definitely played a role in the way I see the world and it influenced my work.

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

Chloé Sleilati – Anything nature related! Trees, flowers, plants, insects, animals…

Arleb by Nabad – What is your creative process like? 

Chloé Sleilati – I do a lot of visual research before starting any piece. I usually get an idea, a concept, then I start drawing; but it’s not always so rigid. Sometimes I just draw and the idea follows.

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

Chloé Sleilati – As horrible as it was, it has actually given me more exposure as I participated in many projects to raise funds for Beirut.

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

Chloé Sleilati – With a strong and clear message, artists can have a big impact on society, shedding light on controversial subjects, contributing to debates that can open eyes, and sometimes even leading people. 

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

Chloé Sleilati – The job of the artist is often taken for granted in the Lebanese society. To whoever needs to read this, no, we’re not going to work for free in exchange for your oh-so-called exposure. Thanks!

CHECK OUT CHLOE SLEILATI PROFILE AND ARTWORKS FOR SALE ON ARLEB.