Google’s iconic homepage is adorned with a special tribute to the late Lebanese American artist Etel Adnan, commemorating her profound contributions to literature and art. The illustration, part of Google’s celebrated series known as Google Doodles, captures Adnan at her desk, surrounded by the vibrant landscapes and literary musings that defined her illustrious career spanning five decades.
Adnan, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 96, left an indelible mark on the worlds of literature and visual art. Mary Sabbatino, vice president and partner at Galerie Lelong, reflected on Adnan’s enduring influence, stating, “Etel Adnan inspired all of those fortunate to have met her in person. She taught us how important memory is without nostalgia and made physical in words and images beauty rendered from the light and darkness of the 20th and 21st century.”
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1925, Adnan embarked on her artistic journey in the 1960s while teaching aesthetics and philosophy in Northern California. By the 1970s and 1980s, she had established herself as a formidable literary force, publishing numerous poetry collections, essays, and the acclaimed novel “Sitt Marie Rose.” The novel, based on the true story of Marie Rose Boulo, garnered international acclaim for its poignant exploration of the Lebanese Civil War and the plight of the Palestinian cause.
Despite her literary achievements, Adnan’s visual art remained relatively under-recognized until later in life. It wasn’t until 2012 when curator Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev featured her work in Documenta 13, that Adnan’s evocative abstractions gained institutional recognition. Subsequent milestones, including inclusion in the Whitney Biennial and receiving the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, underscored the growing appreciation for her artistic prowess.
In 2021, the Guggenheim Museum in New York paid homage to Adnan with a landmark exhibition titled “Etel Adnan: Light’s New Measure.” The exhibition showcased a diverse array of Adnan’s creations, spanning paintings, ceramics, artist books, and tapestries, offering viewers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of her artistic vision.
Reflecting on her late-life recognition as a visual artist, Adnan remarked in a 2014 interview with Bomb Magazine, “I wish this had happened, let’s say, twenty years ago. It’s a nice feeling to have your work appreciated, but it’s almost a fashion for women to be recognized late in life. Agnes Martin, for example. It’s a trend, but we hope it will change.”
Through her luminous landscapes and profound literary explorations, Etel Adnan continues to inspire audiences around the world. Google’s commemorative Doodle serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring legacy as a visionary writer and painter whose impact transcends generations.