BARBARA FARAHNICK-MATHONET
Founder & President

Barbara Farahnick-Mathonet is the Founder and President of The Art Circle, a platform she created to foster artistic dialogue and support artists across the MENASA region and beyond.

In recognition of her professional accomplishments and community engagement, Barbara was awarded Knight in the Order of Leopold, bestowed by King Philippe of Belgium.

Art has been an integral part of Barbara’s life from an early age. Her father and grandmother were both gallerists, her brother continues this legacy, and her sister is an artist, making art a natural and constant presence throughout her upbringing. Even during her 20+ year career as a Regional Sales Manager at Chanel France, and earlier at Estée Lauder, she remained deeply connected to the art world.

She also served for several years as Chairwoman of the Benelux Business Council in the United Arab Emirates, actively promoting cultural and economic exchange between the regions.

Over time, Barbara has built a small and carefully chosen art collection that reflects her personal journey and sensibilities. Initially drawn to East Asian art due to her own background, her collection has grown to include works from the Middle East, shaped by the 13 years she has spent living in Abu Dhabi and her deepening engagement with the region’s contemporary art scene.