My name is Layal Khatib. It was during the long school classes, that I found my escape in the scribbles, portraits, and doodles my hand started drawing on every copybook corner, back papers and agendas. I still have some of those as framed sketches. It all started with those sketches. I was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, and obtained a BS in pharmacy from the Lebanese American University. I worked as a pharmacist for the past ten years and enjoyed every aspect of the health care field. Nonetheless, something was missing. It was that lingering doubt that would later give birth to my artistic journey. I believed there was more to my purpose in life.. I had to paint!
In 2017, I felt some hesitance taking on this new path but persisted anyway. I started with a few canvas and paints and promised myself to find liberation in this new path. This was my way to speak freely and connect with the world. I have not stopped since. It allows me to express my feelings in the most sincere way. After a one year painting course at UPT and a graffiti course as well, I got to paint a wall in Ouzai, and give color to my city. I now paint from within unguided by rules. Unguided by judgement. I then decide to start with a series of women, abstract portraits of women, and I call it The labeled woman of our society. The woman who has to abide by rules and guidelines from a very early age. Her whole existence and experiences is ruled by societal boxes. So I decide to free her and represent her. Shed a light on her. From this comes my first abstract portrait: “The Labeled Woman”. Then “The labeled Woman – part two”. Then the abstract expressionism follows too. It feels like there are no boundaries to it. I keep going and the journey is passionate and surprising. Rewarding and thrilling. This inspired me to create my own painting atelier from home, named after my beloved city. Atelier Beirut and an instagram page for it @atelierbeirut. This allows me to share my artistic energy with the world.
