Arleb by Nabad interviews artist painter and interior architect/designer Hilda Kelekian. 

Arleb by Nabad – Tell us more about you…

Hilda Kelekian – I am Lebanese and Cypriot, married, I have triplets, and I am specialized in Islamic calligraphy, arabesque & Christian scenes from the Bible, as well as Christian prayers on parchment. As a visual artist, I have produced artworks in different styles – Contemporary Abstract, Portraits, nude… – and I am specialized in textile design. I am also the owner of the Kokosport Uniforms Company in Beirut for the textile & manufacturing of professional clothing. In addition, I have organized and curated several international art exhibitions. I am the president of numerous NGOs in Beirut and in foreign countries. 

Arleb by Nabad – What are the themes/subjects you usually tackle in your art and why?

Hilda Kelekian – As an artist, painting for me is my oxygen to live. I have two different types and styles of artwork that I express myself through. I feel my artwork is the result of rewarding feelings of my expressions transmitted from my heart towards my brush on the canvas or parchment, where beautiful art pieces are born. The parchments that I paint are about Christian prayers and scenes from the Bible, and Islamic verses from the Qur’an. I also draw with the arabesque style on parchments. My landscape paintings are mostly done with acrylic on canvas. I feel I can express my feelings through the colors of each painting.

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

Hilda Kelekian – If you focus on obstacles in Lebanon you won’t be able to paint. An artist dreams and expresses his/her artwork on canvas. However, selling artworks has become a main challenge.

Arleb by Nabad – What are, according to you, the roles of arts and culture, in social, economic, environmental, or political change? And what are the particular roles of iconography, especially in a society marked by wars and multiform crises such as the Lebanese?

Hilda Kelekian – Art is a culture by itself, and it gives positive energy to all who appreciate it. Each painting has a role to fulfill when the painter completes it. Also, when it comes to religious paintings or paintings inspired by the sacred scriptures, they help viewers pray and get closer to God.