Maurice Salamé was born in Lebanon, where his natural flair for the visual arts was recognised and fostered from an early age.
His determination to refine his skill is evident from his earliest studies in art; a Diploma in Design from the International School in Paris completed in 1959, via correspondence. Maurice then continued his studies in Beirut under the guidance of two prominent artists in Lebanon: Omar Onsi and Assaad Runo, teaching at the same time. In 1963 the Lebanese Government awarded him a scholarship to further studies in Italy.
He relocated to Rome and studied full time at the Academy of Fine Arts (1963-1967). In 1966 he was the recipient of the Academy’s prestigious Minerva Medal for the best student in painting; in the same year he held his first solo exhibition in Beirut.
After he graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts, Maurice remained in Rome, where he continued to paint and exhibit in collective exhibitions while working as a translator and broadcaster at Vatican Radio.
In 1970 and 1972 he held two solo exhibitions, and in 1971 Maurice was awarded an honorary Degree in Art by the Universal Academy for Literature, Science and the Arts, Rome.
In 1973, Maurice’s work came to the attention of a prominent Italian designer, who commissioned him to produce the artwork to adorn an international hotel being built by the Nigerian government in Illorin-Kwara state, Nigeria. For this commission, Maurice produced some 300 paintings in the African spirit.
He returned to Lebanon in 1973, where he was offered lecturing positions at various institutions. The outbreak of the civil war brought about the closure of many of these colleges.
In 1975 Maurice immigrated to Australia, and shortly after arriving undertook further studies at the University of New England. Between 1977 and 1978 he also worked for TAFE. Maurice continued to paint and, as in Rome, his patronage noted his proclivity for portraiture. He quickly established a reputation in this area, with a number of well-known people among his clientele.
More recently, his passion for art has led him to explore the possibilities of print-making, predominantly using techniques such as etching and lithography, which has once again afforded him worldwide acclaim.
In 2002 he joined the Manly Art Society where his work has since been exhibited.
In 2004, he held a solo exhibition in Lebanon, which was well received and a great success.
Since 2005 he has exhibited each year in the Cento Pittori in Rome.
His work is held in private collections in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the United States and Australia.
