Etel Adnan was a Lebanese-American artist and writer whose work explored themes of identity, memory, nature, and spirituality. Born in Beirut to a Greek Christian mother and a Syrian Muslim father, she grew up in a multicultural environment that deeply influenced her art and writing.
Adnan's artistic career spanned decades and encompassed a variety of mediums, including painting, poetry, and essay writing. Her paintings often featured abstract landscapes inspired by the Mediterranean and California, where she lived for many years. Her poetry, written in both French and English, explored themes of exile, love, and political activism.
Adnan's work was characterized by its lyrical beauty and its ability to evoke strong emotional responses. She was a deeply committed political activist, particularly in support of the Palestinian cause, and her work often reflected her engagement with social and political issues. Her art and writing offer a unique perspective on the complexities of identity, memory, and the human experience.