My name is Keiran Molaeb, and my art currently explores cultural, interpersonal & familial connections, with the goal to engrain memory, pay homage and celebrate the rich diversity of my cultural background as a queer Lebanese artist.
My practise creates a tapestry connecting personal culture and heritage, with each of my paintings acting as a ‘family portrait’, highlighting the familial connection that is felt beyond borders, and the sense of kinship that exists across cultures who share the same land and histories.
Focusing on portraiture, the subjects within my paintings are chosen with consideration and care to reflect on my personal connection to each person, and engrain their memory through art. My creative process is purposely prolonged and intricate to demonstrate dedication and a labour of love to the people I’m paying tribute to.
With an emphasis on storytelling and story sharing, my work centres around the concept of ‘cultural roots’ -- informed by the way roots expand, intertwine, and form methods of connection. My paintings are done on Lebanese cedar wood and olive wood which has been sourced from my father’s home country, Lebanon, and prepared by hand by my grandfather. By incorporating wooden material, I intend for every aspect of my process to connect to the culture I commemorate and celebrate within my artwork.
My practise creates a tapestry connecting personal culture and heritage, with each of my paintings acting as a ‘family portrait’, highlighting the familial connection that is felt beyond borders, and the sense of kinship that exists across cultures who share the same land and histories.
Focusing on portraiture, the subjects within my paintings are chosen with consideration and care to reflect on my personal connection to each person, and engrain their memory through art. My creative process is purposely prolonged and intricate to demonstrate dedication and a labour of love to the people I’m paying tribute to.
With an emphasis on storytelling and story sharing, my work centres around the concept of ‘cultural roots’ -- informed by the way roots expand, intertwine, and form methods of connection. My paintings are done on Lebanese cedar wood and olive wood which has been sourced from my father’s home country, Lebanon, and prepared by hand by my grandfather. By incorporating wooden material, I intend for every aspect of my process to connect to the culture I commemorate and celebrate within my artwork.
Education
2024 - Present Victorian College of the Arts, Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours)
2021 - 2024 Victorian College of the Arts, Bachelor of Fine Art (Drawing and Printmaking)
2024 - Present Victorian College of the Arts, Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours)
2021 - 2024 Victorian College of the Arts, Bachelor of Fine Art (Drawing and Printmaking)
Selected Group Exhibitions
2024 Art Souk, Diasporas, Melbourne Arts Centre, Southbank, Victoria
2024 VCA Graduate Exhibition, Victorian College of the Arts, Southbank, Victoria
2024 (a)flame, BIPOC Collective Exhibition, VCA Artspace, Southbank, Victoria
2024 UMSU Art Prize 2024, George Paton Gallery, Parkville, Victoria
2024 فلسطين, Unassigned Gallery Fundraiser, Brunswick, Victoria
2024 Palestine Through Time, Islamic Museum of Australia, Thornbury, Victoria
2024 Kin, West Space Fundraiser, Collingwood, Victoria
2024 Splitting the Bill, VCA Artspace, Southbank, Victoria
2023 A Wild Ride on a Rocking Horse, VCA Artspace, Southbank, Victoria
2022 Where to From Here?, VCA Artspace, Southbank, Victoria
2024 Art Souk, Diasporas, Melbourne Arts Centre, Southbank, Victoria
2024 VCA Graduate Exhibition, Victorian College of the Arts, Southbank, Victoria
2024 (a)flame, BIPOC Collective Exhibition, VCA Artspace, Southbank, Victoria
2024 UMSU Art Prize 2024, George Paton Gallery, Parkville, Victoria
2024 فلسطين, Unassigned Gallery Fundraiser, Brunswick, Victoria
2024 Palestine Through Time, Islamic Museum of Australia, Thornbury, Victoria
2024 Kin, West Space Fundraiser, Collingwood, Victoria
2024 Splitting the Bill, VCA Artspace, Southbank, Victoria
2023 A Wild Ride on a Rocking Horse, VCA Artspace, Southbank, Victoria
2022 Where to From Here?, VCA Artspace, Southbank, Victoria
Prizes
2024 Majilis Art Award
2024 Shortlisted for the UMSU Art Award
2024 Majilis Art Award
2024 Shortlisted for the UMSU Art Award
Community Involvement
2024 - Present Volunteer at West Space Gallery, Collingwood, Victoria
2024 - Present Volunteer at West Space Gallery, Collingwood, Victoria
Donated Work
2024 Islamic Museum of Australia
2024 Islamic Museum of Australia
Contact Details:
Email keiranmolaeb@gmail.com
Phone +61 467 483 364
Socials @keiranmolaebart
Or see Contact Page
Email keiranmolaeb@gmail.com
Phone +61 467 483 364
Socials @keiranmolaebart
Or see Contact Page