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Al Bawaba
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Laila Abdel Latif predicted Ziad Rahbani "death" and Fairuz's collapse!
ALBAWABA - Shock and grief spread across the Arab world after reports claimed Ziad Rahbani has died suddenly. People on the internet shared a video clip of famous Lebanese scientist Laila Abdel Latif talking about the "death" of the great Lebanese artist Ziad Rahbani. This caused a lot of debate on social media. The video clip went viral and brought up questions about Ziad Rahbani's death again. It also caused a wave of worry and sadness among his fans and followers in Lebanon and around the Arab world. People in the Lebanese and Arab art worlds were shocked and saddened when they heard that Fairuz's son, the creative singer and playwright Ziad Rahbani, had died. Fans of her work had always thought of her as inspirational. Arab and Lebanese media reported the sad news, which confirmed that Fairuz had a serious mental breakdown when she heard it. This was especially true since Ziad was her closest artistic support and partner during her most important musical moments, and Arabs still remember his works. Laila Abdel Latif, who is known as the "Lady of Predictions," is a controversial figure in the Arab world. This is mostly because of how she can get people's attention with her bold statements that mix art and politics. Some people say that some of the things she has predicted have come true, like bombs, resignations, and natural disasters. Others think that she lies about some of her predictions to get attention from the media. Ziad Rahbani was born on January 1, 1956, into an artistic family. His mother, Fairuz, married artist Assi Rahbani, and they had a child together. Ziad grew up in a society that was rich in art and music. This early exposure helped shape his talent and creative vision. He is now known as one of the most important people who has changed Arab music and modern political theater. Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP) Ziad is famous for combining genuine oriental maqams with jazz music and modern Western elements in a way that no one else does. This makes his music stand out from other artists of his time. The uniqueness of this man was also shown in his theater works, which weren't just comedies or simple social criticism but went deep into tough political and social problems. He used satire as a way to express himself and make people think about the pain of the Lebanese and the problems in their society in these works. It is said that Ziad wrote and created masterpieces for his mother, Fairuz, that will never be forgotten. Songs like "Kifak Inta," "Ala Hadeer El Bosta," and "Salamli Aleih" are still sung all over the Arab world. He made more than just music; he also wrote and directed plays that became part of Lebanese culture and history. These plays were brave and honest about political and social issues. His sudden death was a loss to Arabic music and modern theater that can't be fixed. His sadness didn't just affect Fairuz and his family; it also affected all of his friends and people who read all of his works. They saw him as a symbol of new art and courage. As soon as it was announced that Ziad Rahbani had died, there were a lot more searches for updates on Fairuz's health and mental state. Her friends all over the Arab world were very worried and interested. Fairuz is more than just a great singer; she is a musical star who holds a special place in the hearts of people who love real art. The death of her son Ziad is a turning point that makes us think about their family and artistic relationship as well as the art and music they created together. They added so much beauty and depth to Arab music and theater, and their fans are still devastated by this terrible loss.

ABC News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Why did Creative Australia backflip on Venice Biennale decision?
Unanswered questions remain after Creative Australia backflipped on a decision to dump renowned Lebanese Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia's representatives at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon' Review: Subtle Surprises, Saturated Colors
The American painter's first major retrospective, now at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, paints a thorough portrait of his artistic progression.


CTV News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Georgian Bay Muse Exhibit in Meaford Hall Gallery
Barrie Watch Georgian Bay Muse Exhibit in Meaford Hall Gallery during the month of June.


Free Malaysia Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysian artist receives another international award
Mohana Kumara Velu received the Woman Art Award 2025 in London recently. She received the same award in Spain last year. (Mona KV pic) PETALING JAYA : Malaysian visual artist Mohana Kumara Velu, better known as Mona KV, was recently awarded the Woman Art Award 2025 at the Women's Essence Show in London. She received the same award in Spain in 2024. The Woman's Essence Show 2025 is an international art exhibition which took place from May 8-10 at London's Gallery, featuring women artists from around the world. The show's mission is to break down traditional barriers and elevate the role of women in the contemporary art scene. 'It was such an honour,' Mona told FMT Lifestyle. 'The experience was incredibly special and being surrounded by talented women artists from around the world was truly inspiring,' she said, adding that the recognition meant a lot to her as the work she submitted was close to her heart. Mona, a professional artist since 2008, has exhibited her work in galleries both locally and internationally. (Mona KV Facebook pic) 'My love for art began very early – when I was around three. It was my late grandfather who first noticed that I had this interest. I remember being fascinated by watercolours and he encouraged me by buying me the materials,' she said when asked about her earliest memory of art. While taking bus rides with her family she would catch glimpses of the murals on the outer walls of the then Pudu Prison in Kuala Lumpur, captivating the artist in her. 'Growing up, I would spend time in places like Central Market, where I'd quietly sit and watch the artists at work, bringing life to their canvases. That silent curiosity stayed with me and became the foundation of everything I do now,' she said. She eventually began experimenting and later took a course at the National Art Gallery under watercolourist Maamor Jantan. Mona spent five years apprenticing under Malaysian artist Jeganathan Ramachandram before enrolling in the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) in 2010. She majored in Fine Art and graduated with distinction. Mona's paintings revolve around the theme of women and their inner worlds. (Mona KV Facebook pic) 'My pieces are usually layered with symbolism and there's always a story beneath the surface,' she said. 'Most times, I like to leave room for the viewer to find their own meaning within it,' she said. Many of her artworks, usually acrylic paintings, are recognisable through recurring motifs – most notably, the presence of a woman. 'I'm mostly known for my surreal, narrative artworks and they are most often centred around women and their inner worlds. 'A lot of my inspiration comes from conversations, everyday observations and the quiet moments in between. I think there's so much beauty in what's often overlooked and I love translating that into my work,' she said. These female figures often have a South Asian identity, with visible adornments like a nose ring or bindi. Her paintings frequently blend elements of Indian culture with spiritual undertones and references to nature, such as birds, and flowers. Over the years, Mona has exhibited at galleries across Malaysia and earned accolades for her work, the Malaysian Emerging Artist Award in 2009, for instance. She also launched 'Soaring Colours' in 2011 – a charity art project featuring works by artists with autism and Down syndrome. The initiative received strong public support, with proceeds directed to the Kirtash Handicap Centre. Mona is also known for incorporating South Asian cultural elements into her work. (Mona KV Facebook pic) 'For me, creating art is a form of therapy. The most fulfilling part is when a piece resonates with someone on a deeper level and when they see a part of themselves in the work or feel something they can't quite put into words. That quiet connection is everything,' she shared. Mona has shown her work around the world – in New Delhi, Nepal, Italy, the US, and Bali, where she held her solo exhibition 'Within'. In recently had her breakthrough on the international stage when she was selected to represent Malaysia at the 3rd Asean-India Artists Camp in Meghalaya, India. Her artwork, titled 'Alchemy', offered a feminine twist on the camp's theme inspired by the Hindu epic Ramayana. Currently in Venice, she hopes to one day exhibit her work there. 'I hope to see Malaysia's art scene continue to grow with more inclusive platforms that support artists from diverse backgrounds,' she said. Follow Mona KV on Instagram