Signed front lower right “H. Khal”.
A contemplative presence emerges from Green over Yellow, an abstract composition by Helen Khal, one of the most poetic voices in 20th-century Lebanese modernism. In this luminous work, layers of translucent green and yellow interact like drifting clouds—suggesting atmosphere rather than object, intuition rather than definition. A soft rectangle of orange pulses gently from the center, adding rhythm and weight without disrupting the overall serenity.
Khal’s abstract language resists drama. Instead, she crafts a meditative visual field that invites intimacy. Her use of color is not decorative but emotional—thin washes of pigment that float like thought, revealing a profound engagement with the idea of painting as reflection. The absence of gesture intensifies the focus: Green over Yellow is about stillness, balance, and the liminal space where memory and light intersect.
While Helen Khal spent much of her life between the U.S. and Lebanon, she became a foundational figure in Lebanese modern art—not only as a painter, but also as a critic and teacher. Her practice formed part of a larger cultural dialogue that included Etel Adnan, Saloua Raouda Choucair, and Huguette Caland. Khal’s work is often seen as a quiet counterpoint to the overt political energy of her era, offering instead a deeply personal, interior aesthetic.
This painting bears the artist’s signature on both front and back, affirming its authenticity. Works by Helen Khal remain rare on the international market, yet they are increasingly recognized by curators and collectors for their lyricism and historical importance. Her pieces are held in major collections including the Sursock Museum in Beirut and the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah.
For collectors of Middle Eastern modernism or lyrical abstraction, Green over Yellow offers an opportunity to acquire a museum-quality piece by a pioneering woman artist. It is a painting that speaks in quiet tones—but leaves a lasting resonance.
Acquired by the current owner in Nanterre, France.
Good vintage condition with some signs of wear. Unframed.
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Helen Khal, an influential Lebanese-American artist, used her work to capture the vibrant landscapes and emotional nuances of Lebanon. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in both the U.S. and Lebanon, Khal’s unique cultural perspective allowed her to blend Western artistic techniques with the colors and light of the Middle East. Her paintings are known for their rich hues, soft shapes, and introspective quality, reflecting the warmth and resilience of her homeland. Khal’s works often feel like meditations on place and identity, resonating with a quiet yet profound beauty.
Through her exploration of color and form, Khal conveyed a deep sense of belonging and connection to Lebanon. Her paintings focus less on exact representation and more on the emotional essence of landscapes and memories, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. As both an artist and writer, Khal played a significant role in the Lebanese art scene, championing contemporary art and inspiring a generation of artists. Her legacy continues to shine, capturing the spirit of Lebanon and celebrating the cultural richness of her roots in a way that transcends borders and speaks universally to identity and home.
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