Claude Nakhle: Soft Lines, Vast Worlds

At Kulturnest, the Garden Artist Residency is conceived as a living space for creation where artists step out of isolation and into a shared environment shaped by process, presence, and exchange, even in times when such spaces are increasingly fragile. For the Spring 2026 edition, out of 46 applicants, four artists were selected. Among them is Claude Nakhle, an artist whose presence is both gentle and grounding.

Since the beginning of the residency in February, Claude has been creating in the garden at least twice a week, working live in watercolor and drawing, allowing visitors to witness not only his process but also the quiet precision of his gestures. Some of his works are already exhibited in the space, reflecting a practice that is intimate and open.

Claude carries a beautiful sense of calm, a sincerity that translates seamlessly into his work. There is a softness in the way he approaches people and paper/canvas, never rushed, never forced. His universe moves between figuration and imagination, where characters, symbols, and memories coexist with a certain lightness. His work opens onto quiet yet expansive inner worlds, where figures, symbols, and memories unfold with a natural ease. Even within a context marked by uncertainty and the ongoing expansion of the war, he continues to create, to show up, and to share moments of stillness through his work.

This conversation offers a closer look into his journey, his practice, and the inner world he patiently brings into form:

Kulturnest: How would you describe your artistic practice and main medium(s)?

Claude: My artistic practice is an exercise in slowing down. It is a meditative process through which I learn patience and experience life in the present moment. I work primarily with watercolor for its fluid transparency, acrylic for its bold versatility, and charcoal for its raw, tactile depth.

Kulturnest: What themes or questions currently drive your work?

Claude: My work is driven by the intersection of universal beauty and personal sovereignty. I explore themes ranging from the grace of the female form to nostalgic imagery like Samurai, UFOs, and the superheroes of our childhood. Through these figures, I reflect on a realization that has become central to me: while we once looked to external heroes to save the world, true salvation comes from within through self-love and the courage to fully inhabit and enjoy who we are.

Kulturnest: What have you been developing during your Spring 2026 residency at Kulturnest Garden?

Claude: During my residency, I have focused on the essential “outer work” of being an artist. I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone, engaging directly with the public, and building the professional relationships and visibility needed to bridge the gap between my studio practice and the world outside.

Kulturnest: What does this residency mean to you personally and professionally?

Claude: This residency represents a pivotal moment in my journey. Personally and professionally, it marks my transition from a private practice into a public presence. It has challenged me to embrace the vulnerability of sharing my work beyond my personal space and to step more fully into my identity as an artist.

Kulturnest: What are some of the challenges you face as an artist in Lebanon today?

Claude: Being an artist in Lebanon today comes with unique challenges. We live in a context shaped by ongoing instability, where survival can often take priority over creation. For an emerging artist, it is difficult to find the space to grow when the future feels uncertain. Yet, it is precisely within this environment that I continue to search for and create beauty.

Kulturnest: What are your next steps or plans?

Claude: My next steps are centred on continuously refining my craft. Whether that leads to a solo exhibition or remains a quieter process of deepening my techniques, my goal is to reach a level of mastery where I can translate my inner world onto the canvas with clarity, regardless of the medium. Ultimately, I seek to embody and express Peace and Love, living them fully and sharing them through my work.