Aline Geofroy: A Visionary of Light and Heritage

Aline Geofroy (b. 1930) is a distinguished Syrian-French artist whose career serves as a poetic bridge between two cultures and two mediums: photography and fine art. Born in Latakia to a French orientalist father and a Syrian mother, Geofroy’s artistic perspective was shaped by an extensive education at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA) and the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome.

Specializing in the atmospheric depiction of ancient neighborhoods and historic artifacts, Geofroy is a pioneer of urban documentation. Her work is characterized by a deep sensitivity to "the walls, shadows, and faces" of the places she inhabits. During her time in Rome, she famously captured the soul of the Trastevere district, a focus she later brought back to the historic alleys of her hometown, Latakia.

Geofroy’s career is defined by several historic "firsts." In 1957, she became the first female photographer to organize a personal exhibition at the French Cultural Center in Beirut, where she was praised for her innovative color-blending techniques. Whether through the lens of a camera or the stroke of a brush, her work consistently explores the nuances of human presence within architectural history.

Today, Geofroy remains a vital figure in the art community, continuing her daily creative practice in her historic studio on Baghdad Street in Latakia.