Halim Jurdak embarked on his artistic journey in 1953 at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Art. As a pioneering figure, he became the first Lebanese artist to treat etching and engraving with the same significance as painting and drawing. His talent was recognized early on, particularly when he won the first prize for Engraving at the prestigious Annual Exhibition of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he completed his Master’s Degree in Fine Arts.

Jurdak's influence extended beyond his artwork. In 1966, he began teaching at the Institute of Fine Arts at the Lebanese University in Beirut, sharing his expertise with the next generation of artists. Throughout his career, Jurdak’s work was showcased in numerous international and regional exhibitions, solidifying his status as a key figure in the art world.

His artistic style evolved dramatically over the decades, transitioning from academic realism to cubism, and then to both figurative and non-figurative abstraction. In his later works, he focused on the interplay of forms, patterns, color, and composition, often emphasizing the elemental aspects of the human figure.

Beyond his visual art, Jurdak was also a prolific writer, contributing numerous articles on art and literature. His work is part of many esteemed collections, including the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts - UNESCO Palace in Beirut, King Khaled’s collection in Riyadh, the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts in Beirut, the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, and the American University of Beirut (AUB).

This is a short biography. The full version, along with research, CV and sources will be posted soon. Stay tuned and visit us often or become a member to be notified of our updates.