Fayez Barakat

Fayez Barakat is a fifth-generation ancient art dealer and the owner of Barakat Gallery. Once a friend to prominent 20th century artists, like Dali, Picasso and Warhol, Fayez Barakat is one of the world’s most prominent art collectors.

Parallel to his success in the antiquities business, Barakat pursued a passion for painting, initially inspired by Pablo Picasso. Though he ceased painting for years, in 2010, he publicly exhibited his works, revealing a diverse range of styles and techniques. His paintings, categorized as abstracts yet defined by him as a form of realism, defy conventional abstract art concepts, representing his thoughts, feelings, and soul.

Barakat is a fifth-generation family-owned and operated enterprise, Barakat Gallery, founded over 125 years ago.

Fayez Barakat, born in 1949 in Hebron to Sadi Barakat, hails from the fourth generation of the Barakat family. The family initiated the Barakat Collection in the late 19th century, dedicated to amassing exceptional ancient art pieces from global origins. Barakat's journey into the world of antiquities began during his boyhood, working alongside renowned British archaeologist Dame Prof. Kathleen Kenyon in sorting and identifying shards from her excavations in the 'City of David' in Jerusalem between 1952 and 1958. His collaboration with Dr. Kenyon cultivated his expertise in pottery classifications and field archaeology principles.

Despite being offered a Fulbright Scholarship for medical studies in the United States at the age of 14, Barakat pursued courses in biblical and Middle Eastern archaeology at the Hebrew Union College, delving into the realms of archaeology, art history, and ancient coinage. Immersed in the family business, he became a self-made millionaire by 18, amassing a significant personal collection. In 1967, he opened his first major gallery in Jerusalem's Old City, becoming the first private antiquities collection acknowledged by the Israeli ministry. Over the years, he expanded globally, with galleries in Los Angeles, London, Abu Dhabi, Seoul, and Hong Kong.

Parallel to his success in the antiquities business, Barakat pursued a passion for painting, initially inspired by Pablo Picasso. Though he ceased painting for years, in 2010, he publicly exhibited his works, revealing a diverse range of styles and techniques. His paintings, categorized as abstracts yet defined by him as a form of realism, defy conventional abstract art concepts, representing his thoughts, feelings, and soul. Barakat's artistic style, characterized by vibrant chromaticism and influenced by Marc Chagall, showcases his mastery of over a dozen recognizable styles. Painting, for Barakat, serves as a form of meditation, enabling him to engage with profound themes and ideals, with his works encompassing subjects like fantasy, meditation, ecstasy, and nirvana.

Fayez Barakat envisions a world where ancient art serves as a bridge between cultures, connecting people across time and space. His commitment to the Barakat Collection reflects a dedication to preserving and showcasing the finest masterpieces of ancient art from diverse corners of the globe. Through his galleries in key international cities, Barakat seeks to foster a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history, encouraging a dialogue that transcends borders and generations.

In tandem with his passion for antiquities, Barakat's artistic vision extends to the realm of painting, where he endeavors to share the profound impact of art on the soul. His abstract works, marked by vibrant colors and varied styles, defy traditional norms, offering viewers a journey into his thoughts, feelings, and the essence of his being. Barakat envisions art as a transformative force, stirring a sense of the ideal within individuals and inviting them to contemplate the world in diverse dimensions, from fantasy and meditation to ecstasy and nirvana.