An Article by A. V. (981 words, 5 min. read)
Minimal Chroma: A Journey Through Art and Music
The second exhibition of Lebanese artist Ribal Molaeb at the ZKO-Haus, (the vernissage took place on January 14th), Minimal Chroma, presents a striking collection of oil paintings distinguished by their vivid yet minimalist color tones. Each piece captures the fleeting magic of sunrises and sunsets, the expansiveness of coastal landscapes, and the serenity of the sky, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in nature’s quiet beauty. Through his work, Molaeb explores the emotional transitions between day and night, using color and form to create a deeply personal and evocative visual language.
Molaeb’s paintings are not merely representations of landscapes; they are compositions of light, space, and emotion. His use of color is both intuitive and structured, reflecting his deep understanding of harmony, a skill honed through his musical education. The works on display at Minimal Chroma are more than visual experiences—they are rhythmic and melodic, much like a piece of classical music.
A Retrospective of Artistic Evolution
This exhibition is a retrospective of the past years of Ribal Molaeb’s artistic journey, revealing the different stages of his evolution as a painter. From impressionistic landscapes to giant flowers that engulf entire canvases with vibrant energy, to emotionally charged landscapes where compositions become increasingly abstract and refined—Molaeb’s work transitions through an intricate artistic metamorphosis.
His landscapes, where colors merge with forms, echo the influence of the great master Saliba Douaihy, combined with the emotional depth of his father, the celebrated Lebanese painter Jamil Molaeb. Deeply intertwined with his music, Ribal Molaeb’s art gradually moves toward absolute minimalism, stripping lines and brushstrokes to their essence. His canvases breathe fluidity, space, and time, achieving a state of purity where colors and textures take on a life of their own.
The layering of paint and the use of the palette knife create a powerful, solid presence on the canvas. Color itself becomes the subject, like an oil sea dissolving onto surfaces that evoke both sensation and sensitivity. One cannot help but feel the connection between his visual work and his music, especially when listening to his viola, played with the mastery of one of the world’s finest violists. In Molaeb’s work, painting becomes melody, and melody takes on form and color.
An impeccable mastery of both arts—music and painting—is at the heart of Molaeb’s expression. He does not simply exhibit technique; he channels his profound humanism and humility into every piece. Known for his deep sensitivity to life, nature, and the mysteries of the world, Molaeb’s talents shine through with an authenticity that makes his soul visible on his canvases.
The Artist: Ribal Molaeb
Born in Baissour, Lebanon, in 1992, Ribal Molaeb moved to Austria at the age of 17 to study at the Mozarteum University Salzburg. Later, he pursued his Master’s degree in Arts with distinction at the University for Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. His career spans both music and visual arts, shaping his unique artistic approach. Molaeb is currently the artistic director of the SUMITO Art and Music Association in Switzerland, the president of the Molaeb Art Museum, and the founder of the Molaeb Festival for Chamber Music and Fine Arts. His paintings have been exhibited in Amsterdam, Vienna, Zürich, Beirut, and Paris.
An Artistic Legacy and Inspirations
Molaeb was trained from a young age by his father, renowned Lebanese painter Jamil Molaeb. His work is deeply influenced by Lebanese 20th-century abstract expressionists such as Saliba Douaihy, Aref el Rayes, and Shafic Abboud. Upon moving to Switzerland, he discovered the works of Paul Klee, a painter who was also a violinist, reinforcing the connection between music and visual art in Molaeb’s practice.
Music plays a fundamental role in Molaeb’s artistic process. His training as a musician shapes his compositions, with each painting structured like a symphony, balancing harmony, melody, and rhythm. His works explore the power and vibrancy of color, creating energetic yet delicately orchestrated paintings that evoke a sense of movement and depth. His understanding of classical harmony translates into his use of form, creating a visual language that feels both spontaneous and meticulously composed. Married to a professional violinist, Tanja Sonc, they perform together, bringing music to life in pursuit of art and emotion.
Molaeb’s Own Words
“I grew up among colors and paintings, always fascinated by the idea of living with an artist, my father, Jamil Molaeb. I often skipped school just to stay in his workshop. At the age of six, I started studying classical music, training as a violist. Then, at seventeen, I moved to Salzburg to study at Mozarteum University and later continued in Vienna for eight years before settling in Zürich.
“Painting is like returning home. It’s as if I’m reconnecting with my roots, like our ancestors, who felt at peace when their hands touched the soil. I find that same peace when my hands are covered in oil paint, creating something new. Music took me around the world—from China to America to Europe—but painting is what brings me back to where I belong.”
“I learned to paint while thinking as a musician. My paintings are based on harmony, where each work has its own harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic structure. The relationship between colors is like intonation in music. My subjects—mountains, water, and vast spaces—express a warm, childlike world, full of light and mystery. In the end, I leave it to the viewer to interpret what resonates with them.”
A Harmonious Future
With Minimal Chroma, Ribal Molaeb continues to refine his artistic voice, merging the worlds of music and painting in a way that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. His work is a testament to the idea that art, like music, can transcend boundaries, creating a language of color and emotion that speaks to all.
