Why doesn't anyone discuss Khalil Gibran's Paintings?


A little silly to point out - but Khalil Gibran is a legend worldwide when it comes to poetry. In the visual arts, his name hasn't made it as far. In comparison to how well-acquainted readers are with The Prophet, very few are familiar with a single one of his paintings. 

In an insightful 2012 BBC feature, the authors claim that "[h]e painted more than 700 pictures, watercolours and drawings but because most of his paintings were shipped back to Lebanon after his death, they have been overlooked in the West."

I can only conclude from the statement that since they've been overlooked in the West, there is little reason to celebrate them in the Middle East. Which is clearly the case.



This is up for debate, but Khalil Gibran was a talented painter, and has painted alongside some of the most acclaimed artists of his days, most notably alongside French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

I can't say how far he would have made it as an artist if he wasn't a poet and writer. I'll leave that for you to judge:

Khalil Gibran Painting


Khalil Gibran Painting L'automne

Khalil Gibran Painting Sultana Gibran

Khalil Gibran Painting Danse et Rythm

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting



Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Khalil Gibran Painting

Images courtesy of the Gibran National Committee

I'd love to hear your opinions about his title as a painter in the comments.




 

Bananapook

News and features for visual arts junkies