Humbaba Collection, 2023

About PATRICIA DAHER

Patricia Daher is an American-Lebanese multidisciplinary artist, mathematician, and environmental activist whose work redefines the human connection with nature. Raised between New York and Beirut, she holds a BA from Hunter College and an MA in Art Market Studies from FIT, later specializing in Data Analytics at Columbia University.

Daher’s prolific oeuvre of over 300 works is informed by her diverse interests in mythology, science, and sustainability, often drawing on her personal experience of war to create vibrant, peaceful worlds. A celebrated educator and professional, her art has been featured in The Washington Post and Hyperallergic, and she is the recipient of prestigious honors, including the IMPART Artist Grant.

Site: www.patriciadaher.com

Instagram: @patriciatdaher / @patriciadaherstudio

Facebook: Patricia Daher Studio

ARTIST STATEMENT

The Humbaba Collection cherishes and preserves Lebanese history, culture and contributions to the world. Named after Humbaba, the protector of the cedar forest mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh, these works have been developed in the face of propaganda and efforts to manipulate narratives throughout the media, history and the web. From appropriating our culture to efforts towards disconnecting Lebanese from their Culture and distorting Phoenician identity throughout the centuries. From branding the Ancient Lebanese god, god of thunder, Baal Hadad, to the horned Devil, which the Lebanese themselves now believe, to painting Humbaba

or Oumbaba, the protector of the Cedar Forest appointed by the gods, into a hideous malicious monster. In efforts against the wickedness of Wikipedia pages falsely depicting Lebanese history and culture in articles written and edited by the country's enemies, where open editing is restricted. Where history books fail to clarify that Thales, the father of Greek philosophy is from Tyre originally and Tyre is Phoenicia and Phoenicia is Lebanon. Pythagoras, a one-man university, the father of Numerology, is another Lebanese from Tyre Lebanon originally. The color purple, the glass cup, the Phonetic Alphabet are also Lebanese.