Chaouki Choukini's Elusive Sculptures Examined in New Book

Kaph Books has released 'Corpus', a monograph by art critic Kevin Jones that focuses on Lebanese sculptor Chaouki Choukini, featuring poems by Salah Stétié. Available for $45, the book adopts an innovative format, intertwining short stories and lyrical essays with images and sketches organized thematically rather than in chronological order. It delves into Choukini's overlooked presence in the art scene despite his extensive 50-year career. The concept of 'corpus' is explored, representing both a body of work and a physical entity. Choukini's sculptures transitioned from early figurative art at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts to hybrid forms, characterized by static suspension and often resembling totems or curious artifacts. Jones articulates that these creations transcend their individual components, reflecting the artist's holistic techniques through powerful prose.