“The Matriarch” is a celebration of women as the foundation of our collective history and future: a reflection on how the broken pieces of their pasts come together to form something whole, beautiful and formidable.

The exhibition represents the culmination of Magda Malkoun’s artistic journey, evolving through her previous phases: “Scars of History”, “Metamorphosis,” to arrive at this profound exploration of women’s power, beauty, and imperfections. Such evolution constitutes a testament to the artist’s deepening engagement with these themes. Over the years, her artistic process has mirrored the journey of the matriarchs she portrays: “Beirutica”, “Resting Astarte” “Storm Rider”—growing in complexity, depth, and nuance. This progression is evident in her use of materials, techniques, and symbolism, which have become more intricate and layered, reflecting the multifaceted nature of her subjects.

Inspired by the transformative power of women, Malkoun’s work bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary representations of women in the Arab world. In her portrayal of women as matriarchs, the artist honors those who have the power of transformation within themselves, who lead with quiet authority, and who possess a strength that transcends time and circumstance.

Similar to other notable exhibitions in the region, “The Matriarch “challenges and redefines the narrative surrounding female identity and empowerment. This artistic presentation creates a dialogue that connects past and present, tradition and modernity, and individual and collective experiences.

“The Matriarch” serves as a bridge, linking Malkoun’s personal artistic journey with broader cultural and social themes prevalent in the Arab world. It invites viewers to reflect on and acknowledge the transformative power and enduring spirit of women across generations, urging us to recognize the layers of experience, memory, and endurance embedded in their universal stories.

Hana Sammak Kurdi

curated by Sundaraartculture

Born in Lebanon, 1982, Magda Malkoun is currently living and working between Dubai and Beirut.

Magda is a multi-faceted artist who combines her interest in photography and sculpture in her artworks.

She uses different types of material and texture not only as tools to paint with, but also to create forms. Magda’s body of work encompasses a series of figurative and abstract art inspired by the conflicts and the bonds one creates with the places, events and faces encountered.

Her contemporary work is recognizable with her signature of painstakingly organized photo collages to form various abstract portraits.

Magda’s works were acquired by collectors in Beirut, Dubai, Ajman, Saudi Arabia, New York, and France.

Malkoun won the best emerging artist awards in Word Art Dubai 2021, and Best Art Exhibition in 2024 by FITNFT Art Gallery in Dubai.

Magda exhibited her work in the UAE at Art Dubai Digital 2022 and 2023 and is part of MIA Art Collection. Her work has been shortlisted by Sotheby’s Institute of Art as finalists and exhibited in New York at Arte Azulejo.

She has previously exhibited at BULGARI contemporary Art award at Van De Goudenberg Art gallery, Dubai culture x Morrow collective’s first NFT exhibition in Al Safa & Design library, Gateway to the Metaverse in House Of Wisdom Shajrah, and Museum of the Future.

She also exhibited her NFT work in the Vellum / LA art gallery in Los Angeles, United States in April 2022 and she was selected out of 80 artists to be featured on their billboard in LA.

Magda was selected to promote peace and sustainability at the UNESCO Art Camp Andorra in March 2022 and July 2023 and her work was featured during the UN COP28 in the Women’s Pavillon in November 2023 in the UAE.

Her work has been featured in Elle Decoration, Gallery Magazine, Laha Magazine, Tribe magazine, Harper’s Bazaar Brazil, Marie-Claire Arabia, Sayidati and L’Orient Le Jour.