Lina Lazaar: Art Curator, Voice of Middle Eastern Creativity And Hassan Jameel’s Ex-wife

Lina Lazaar is more than an art curator; she is a force to be reckoned with in the global promotion of contemporary Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) art. Her name is synonymous with cultural activism, creative innovation, and the pursuit of greater international recognition for Arab artists. As Vice President of the Kamel Lazaar Foundation, Lazaar has played a key role in shaping the future of modern Arab art through exhibitions, research, and advocacy.

Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Switzerland, Lina’s multicultural background gave her a unique perspective on global art dynamics. She has worked at Sotheby’s, founded cultural festivals, and curated groundbreaking exhibitions like “The Future of a Promise” at the Venice Biennale. Her journey has been one of passion, vision, and deep devotion to the arts, and she has been an instrumental force in reshaping notions of Arab identity through creative expression.

Quick Bio

Who is Lina Lazaar?

Lina Lazaar, born in 1983, is a Tunisian-born art critic, curator, and cultural activist. She gained international recognition through her role at Sotheby’s in London, where she specialized in contemporary Middle Eastern art. Lazaar established Jaou Tunis, a Tunisian biennial art event, and co-established Ibraaz, a leading online platform that discusses visual culture in the Arab world.

Her work is deeply dedicated to bringing artists from the Middle East and North Africa into the limelight, with their work being seen and enjoyed globally. She has been featured in leading publications and listed as one of the most powerful women in Middle Eastern art by publications like Apollo Magazine and The Culture Trip. Her curatorial eye and academic background make her an expert in her field.

Early Life

Lina was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to a family that valued education and interaction with the world. Her father, Kamel Lazaar, is a well-known businessman and philanthropist who later founded the Kamel Lazaar Foundation to foster cultural activities across the MENA region. The family then moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where Lina was exposed to a mixed Western and Arab cultural heritage.

She did higher studies in the UK, initially earning a degree in statistics from the London School of Economics and a second degree in Art History from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. This fusion of analytical mindset and deep cultural understanding was a signature of her working life. These initial experiences set the platform for a unique style that blends business acumen with cultural passion.

Career Beginnings

Lina Lazaar began her career in Post-War and Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s in London. Seeing the enormous gap in the art world, she advocated for and curated Sotheby’s first auction of Arab and Iranian contemporary art in 2007. It was a milestone for underrepresented artists and the beginning of Lazaar’s rise as a trailblazing curator.

Her curatorial work did not stop there. In 2011, she curated “The Future of a Promise,” the inaugural Pan-Arab contemporary art exhibition at the Venice Biennale. The show presented the work of artists from across the Arab world and challenged traditional discourses on Arab identity. Lazaar’s work opened the world to the cultural riches of a region otherwise overshadowed by news of a political nature.

Who is Lina Lazaar’s Ex-Husband?

Lina Lazaar was formerly married to Hassan Jameel, a philanthropist and Saudi businessman, between 2012 and 2017. Jameel is the Vice Chairman and Deputy President of Abdul Latif Jameel, a family business worth billions of dollars that has interests in real estate, automotive distribution, and financial services. The wedding united two influential individuals in the Arab world, even though it was mostly private.

Following her divorce, Hassan Jameel made news for dating global pop star Rihanna. While the marriage brought Lazaar occasional media spotlight, she has always had her eyes fixed on the prize of her career and her work in the world of art, never courting the limelight of celebrity status. Her private life has never eclipsed her accomplishments.

Lina Lazaar’s Physical Appearance

Lina Lazaar sports a chic, poised appearance that reflects her refined sensibilities. She is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and possesses a strong yet graceful presence. Her dark hair and expressive eyes are typically augmented by minimalist yet fashionable attire, appropriate for her artistic background.

She has a classic European-Arab eclecticism of style—favoring fitted silhouettes, subdued tones, and signature accessories that speak to her artistic sensibility. Her professional life at panels and exhibitions is often remarked on not just for her intellect but for her timeless fashion sense. Her fashion sense embodies the cultural richness and professionalism with which she approaches her work.

Net Worth

While the exact net worth of Lina Lazaar is not known, her professional and family background suggest great wealth and influence. Her work with Sotheby’s and the Kamel Lazaar Foundation, along with her curatorial activities across Europe and the MENA region, have certainly brought her both recognition and wealth.

Moreover, her father’s business heritage and charitable investments also add to her position. While she does not publicly display her wealth, Lazaar puts her money into art, culture, and community-related initiatives, with a focus on making a positive difference rather than on material show. Her wealth strategy is built around cultural enrichment and legacy creation.

Social Media

Unlike most public figures, Lina Lazaar maintains a low social media presence. Her Instagram account, @linalazaar, is currently inactive, and there are no posts on it for public viewing. This privacy aligns with her inclination to focus on substance and creativity rather than personal visibility.

However, the Kamel Lazaar Foundation Instagram (@kamel_lazaar_foundation) is engaged in showcasing ongoing projects, exhibitions, and partnerships with artists. Through this platform, the general public can keep track of Lazaar’s work and that of her foundation in general in empowering artists and preserving cultural heritage across the MENA region.

Future Prospects and Vision

Lina Lazaar continues to pave the way for contemporary Arab art in the world. Through Jaou Tunis and Tunis’s B7L9 art station, she unites artists, thinkers, and curators that challenge societal norms and encourage innovative experimentation. Her projects attempt to rethink the manner in which the world engages with Arab culture—less politics, more imagination.

In the years to come, Lazaar can be expected to continue expanding her influence in the art world. With academic publications, global exhibitions, and philanthropy, she will certainly remain a valuable contributor. She remains committed to bridging the gap between East and West through culture. Her fate is to consolidate the global art world and inspire the upcoming generation of Arab artists.