An article by F. G. (615 words, 3 min. read)
A Homecoming for an Overlooked Master
On the evening of March 26, 2025, the halls of Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) filled with refined art lovers, collectors, and admirers who gathered for the opening of SPECTACULAR, an exhibition dedicated to the late Halim Jurdak. The prestigious event was graced by the presence of the Dean, the Chairperson, and the President of the University, who each expressed their appreciation for the exhibition and the remarkable works on display. In their opening remarks, they emphasized the importance of honoring such artistic legacies, welcoming more exhibitions of this caliber to the university’s refined academic venue.
Curated by Dr. Tony Karam, this long-overdue tribute sought to reclaim the legacy of an artist whose profound contributions to Lebanese modern art had long been underappreciated. As visitors moved through the exhibition, they encountered not just paintings, but the undeniable presence of a visionary who shaped the artistic landscape in silence.
A Legacy That Demands Acknowledgment
Halim Jurdak was more than an artist; he was a pioneer. While his peers were celebrated, his name never quite received the full recognition it deserved. His artistic journey traversed realism, cubism, and abstraction, blending them into a deeply personal language. Whether through bold compositions or delicate figurative sketches, his work was a testament to a relentless pursuit of artistic truth. SPECTACULAR is not just an exhibition, it is a long-awaited correction, a statement that his place in Lebanese art history is undeniable.
A Bold Display of Diversity in Style
Jurdak’s artistic versatility was on full display at the exhibition, revealing the many facets of his talent. At the forefront, an exquisite oil-on-canvas nude stood as a striking centerpiece—a bold yet intimate reflection of his mastery over form, light, and movement. His works ranged from free-flowing abstract compositions, pulsing with energy and color, to meticulous watercolors that captured fine details with breathtaking precision.
His signature figurative pencil drawings, known for their raw elegance, resonated with visitors, proving that a true artist’s mark is felt even in the absence of a signature.
A Master of Many Techniques
Though SPECTACULAR focused primarily on Jurdak’s paintings and drawings, his mastery extended across multiple mediums. A celebrated engraver, he was known for his delicate yet striking etchings, where precision and movement coexisted effortlessly. His sculptures, though absent from the exhibition, showcased his ability to translate form into three dimensions, capturing both the rigidity and fluidity of his subjects. Whether working with oil, ink, pencil, or metal, Jurdak’s approach remained deeply expressive, a testament to his unwavering pursuit of artistic exploration.
A Revolutionary Approach to Art
Few artists dared to challenge the conventions of visual perception as Jurdak did. He was one of the first to create paintings that could be displayed in any of four directions, signing them on all four sides. This innovative approach redefined how we engage with art, offering multiple perspectives and interpretations. His work was never static; it invited movement, interaction, and thought.
A Tribute Through Time
Under the careful curation of Dr. Tony Karam, SPECTACULAR is not a retrospective but rather an act of justice. Every piece on display carried the weight of an artist who poured his soul into his craft yet never basked in the full light of recognition. Now, collectors and connoisseurs stood before his work, not just as spectators but as witnesses to the brilliance that had long been overlooked.
Jurdak’s strokes, colors, and compositions remain as vibrant as ever, undiminished by time SPECTACULAR is a celebration of his and mostly a long-awaited homecoming, ensuring that his legacy will no longer be whispered but spoken with the honor it deserves.
