Mazen Kerbaj

Mazen Kerbaj is a visual artist and musician from Beirut, living in Berlin. He is widely considered as one of the initiators and key players of the Lebanese experimental music scene where he co-founded Irtijal festival and Al Maslakh label. Kerbaj pushes the boundaries of the trumpet and develops a personal language and innovative techniques. His music is often described as ‘acoustic electronics.’ Kerbaj is the author of more than 15 books, and his short stories and drawings have been published in anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. His work has been translated into more than ten languages in various local and international publications. His visual art is heavily influenced by his musical improvisation practice; this is apparent in his long standing ‘four hands’ collaborations with other visual artists, such as Laure Ghorayeb (his mother) and Hatem Imam, as well as his live visual performances, such as “Wormholes.”

Mazen Kerbaj is an Onassis AiR Fellow for 2023/24.