Alfred Tarazi is a Lebanese artist born in Beirut in 1980, recognized for his multidisciplinary approach that spans painting, photography, digital collage, sculpture, and installation. His work is deeply rooted in Lebanon's turbulent history, particularly the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), which shaped his formative years. Tarazi’s childhood experiences during the war profoundly influenced his art, as he grew up amidst conflict and re-enacted battles with his classmates, even attending a private school in an upper-class area.
His early memories of learning the alphabet reflect the war's impact on his upbringing, as he was taught that the letter "A" symbolized "heroes" and the letter "B" represented a singular hero, metaphorically connecting the war with his early education. These personal experiences form the foundation of his art, through which he examines the layers of Lebanon's collective memory, history, and the selective nature of historical documentation.
Tarazi holds a degree in Graphic Design from the American University of Beirut (2004) and a residency at Krinzinger Projekte in Vienna (2011), both of which contributed to shaping his unique artistic voice. His work often challenges how history is recorded, blending past and present elements to explore the authenticity of historical narratives. His art invites viewers to reconsider how history is remembered and documented, drawing attention to the complex layers of war's emotional and cultural impact on society.
Through his diverse mediums, Tarazi has gained recognition both locally and internationally, making significant contributions to the contemporary art scene, especially in relation to the socio-political history of Lebanon.