Hoda Baalbaki

“Follow the Dreamer” is an invitation to a fantasy world, created by Hoda Baalbaki as an escape from the harsh realities of life—a response to absurdity, cruelty, war, and the ugliness that has turned the world upside down. But how do you escape when you’re in the midst of everything? The answer lies in entering the mind of the Dreamer.
To follow the Dreamer into this new world, where fantasy reigns supreme, is to connect with nature and preserve its purity, free from the burdens of the modern world. Hoda’s paintings reflect this deep connection, celebrating the beauty of nature and its vegetation.
This exhibition offers a visual journey through various shapes and symbols, allowing for an open interpretation of inner thoughts. One of the recurring motifs in Hoda’s art is the use of mountains, trees, and birds, which reflect her southern origins.
[My painting process is complex, as I allow my subconscious to influence my work, highlighting the conflict between worlds and the struggle with forms. I am fascinated by the unexplainable and seek to incorporate elements of the magical, creating a world that challenges conceptual reality—an invitation to a healing world, a visual journey that pays homage to the traditional romantic landscape. In this world, the use of trees and houses serves as a personal representation of my inner feelings.]
Hoda Baalbaki’s artworks strike a balance between representation and abstraction, or semi-abstraction. They include recognizable subjects, shapes, and elements that blend harmoniously to invite the viewer to dive deep into their meanings. Between fiction and reality, the viewer can explore how these elements interact. These works are not merely figments of her imagination but are inspired by fantasies, dreams, and nature, often reflecting an inner projection.
Textures are created through the use of color, layering, and the act of building up and then scraping away the surface. The diversity of mediums in her work is a careful balance between control and spontaneity. She adds layers of color and texture to construct the painting’s surface in a chaotic manner that ultimately settles into perfect order, encouraging the viewer to embark on a captivating visual journey.