Marie Khouri

Khouri was born in Cairo, Egypt, and spent her early life in the Middle East and Europe before settling in Vancouver, Canada.^[3] She studied the arts and sculpture in Paris at the École du Louvre.^[3]

Before her career as an artist, she worked as a language interpreter and in finance.^[4]

Khouri's career in sculpting began after she moved to Vancouver.^[4] Her work developed across both sculpture and design, including jewellery and functional objects.^[4]

She has over 25 public installations located in Canada and internationally.^[3] These works are commonly commissioned by developers for civic spaces, transportation projects, and architectural settings.^[3]

Notable works include:

• I Love (Baheb) – A sculptural installation exhibited at the Vancouver Art Gallery.^[5]
• Le Banc – A sculptural bench created for the Vancouver Biennale.^[1]
• Histoire d’O – A sculpture installed as part of the Canada Line public art program.^[6]

Some of Khouri’s work draws from calligraphy and makes references to language.^[2][5] These sculptural works use flowing shapes that are influenced by Arabic handwriting. ^[2]

Other works are designed to function as large seating areas and gathering spaces, emphasizing public use.^[1]

Khouri’s work has been presented in exhibitions and in public art galleries in Canada.^[1] Her installation I Love was showcased at the Vancouver Art Gallery between 2022 and 2023.^[5] It has also been exhibited internationally, including in France and Egypt.^[7]

• BC Achievement Award of Distinction in Applied Art and Design (2023)^[3]
• Ordre national du Mérite (Chevalier), France^[1]
• Western Living Designer of the Year (Industrial and Fashion categories, 2012)^[4]

Khouri’s art work can be found in public and institutional collections, including municipal public art programs and transportation authorities in Canada.^[6]