JOA CHELALA

JOA Chelala, a Belgian-Lebanese ceramic artist born in Beirut, has lived between Beirut, Brussels, Boston, and Paris, drawing inspiration from her travels and life experiences.
Despite her family and professional obligations, Joa always dreamed of dedicating herself to her art. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, she seized the opportunity to take ceramics courses, marking the beginning of her artistic journey. A pivotal collaboration with a Californian artist introduced her to large-scale sculpting, expanding her creative horizons.
Her signature works include sculpted giraffes with human bodies, exploring the harmony between human complexity and animal grace. Pieces like “Raw-Chi”, a tribute to Beirut’s iconic rock, and “Benagil”, inspired by Portugal’s coastal cave, reflect her deep connection to nature and place.

KEY EXHIBITIONS

2025, ‘Un Autre Monde’, Season 6 Artists of Beirut Collective Exhibition, Arthaus, Beirut, Lebanon
20-22 December 2024, Christmas Edition, Sursock Museum Store, Beirut, Lebanon
Sept-Oct 2024, Solo Exhibition , Sursock Museum, Beirut, Lebanon

SELECTED ARTWORKS