Beyond the Canvas: Three LAU Alumni Artists Who Paint, Inspire, and Give Back

The walls of LAU’s fine arts studios have long echoed with the passion and vision of young creators. Decades later, those same echoes resound in galleries, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives across Lebanon and beyond, carried by the voices and works of alumni artists like Rana Raouda, Mireille Merhej, and Wissam Baydoun.

Though different in era and artistic expression, all three artists share more than just a common alma mater: they embody LAU’s mission of cultivating creativity with purpose, and art that serves both self and society.

Across generations and artistic disciplines, the stories of these three alumni artists highlight the transformative power of an LAU education, not just as a technical foundation, but as a community that shapes identity, values, and a sense of mission.

 

Rana Raouda: Full Circle from Student to Master

Graduating from LAU’s fine arts program in 1982, Rana Raouda has spent over 45 years building a formidable presence in the art world. At 64, she reflects on her university days not with nostalgia alone, but with gratitude:

”My time at LAU was foundational in shaping both my artistic voice and my professional path. The education I received, rooted in discipline, exploration, and cultural richness, cultivated the vision and confidence that sustained my career.”

A trailblazer among Lebanese women artists, Raouda describes her journey through a male-dominated art world as one requiring “strength and authenticity.” Her voice, bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in the Lebanese experience, has earned her recognition on global platforms.

Returning to LAU in 2022 for a solo exhibition curated by Dr. Tony Karam was, for her, profoundly meaningful:

”To showcase my work on the same floor where I once studied was a full-circle moment. It honored both the challenges I faced and the growth I’ve experienced.”

Raouda views art as a tool for transformation, not just expression. She champions its role in healing, empowering, and building community:

”In giving back, we not only honor our roots, we help build a future where creativity continues to thrive.”

 

Mireille Merhej: Flags of Identity, Stories of Strength

Mireille Merhej, LAU alumna, is known for using her art as a mirror to society. Her recent exhibition Makhad at Maya Art Space resonated deeply with post-crisis Lebanon, using torn and layered flags to explore themes of conflict, identity, and hope.

”The Lebanese flag, to me, stands apart, it’s a reminder of home, of resilience, of a country I love despite all its pain,” she explains. “The UN flag in my work speaks to the fading hope in diplomacy and the growing disappointment in global systems.”

 

Like Raouda, Merhej sees art as a platform for advocacy. She’s participated in initiatives like Artsrising (LAU’s fundraising art auction for student aid), and Women of Beirut: Untold Stories, which uplifts underrepresented female voices in the art scene.

”Art should also serve humanity and make a positive impact. I’m grateful to be part of the LAU family, it’s a source of strength and inspiration that continues to guide me.”

Her reflections on mentorship and student support align deeply with LAU’s values:

”Every student deserves the right to a proper education. Without support, so much talent risks being lost or unrealized.”

 

Wissam Baydoun: Evolving with Purpose and Poise

Wissam Baydoun brings a strong voice and disciplined approach that’s already carving out space for him in Beirut’s competitive art world. A two-time solo exhibitor at Art on 56th Gallery, his work has been praised for its honesty and thoughtfulness.

Baydoun recalls how LAU shaped his commitment to routine and reflection:

”I used to arrive at campus around 7 a.m., before anyone else, just to paint in silence. That habit still defines how I work today.”

While he notes the challenges of Lebanon’s unstable art market, particularly for evolving artists, he remains undeterred. He urges LAU to serve as an ongoing bridge between young talent and real-world exposure:

”The university can act as a sponsor or mediator with galleries, and professors should bring students to exhibitions to engage, sketch, and connect with practicing artists.”

Baydoun views himself as both a Lebanese and an international artist, rooted in his country but speaking to a global context. He believes this duality was nurtured at LAU:

”LAU helped me be grounded in Lebanon while reaching out to the world.”

 

Whether shaping powerful narratives through visual symbolism, mentoring the next generation, or using their platforms to give back, these three alumni artists embody the spirit of LAU. Their work reminds us that art is more than personal expression, it’s a catalyst for dialogue, resilience, and transformation.

Together, they represent the enduring impact of an LAU education: fostering creativity with purpose, and cultivating voices that continue to inspire long after graduation.