From Global Diplomacy to Artistic Expression: Cynthia Odsi’s Journey Back to Lebanon

August 8, 2025

/ 1Comment

Cynthia Odsi Q&A

1. What is your professional background

I started as an economic journalist in a French newspaper in France. I was also hired to be Press officer in the Security Council in the United Nations in New York during the war with Iraq. This was a great experience in international politics. Back to Paris, I became in charge of international communication and promotion of France’s assets as an economic power.

2. What are the main projects that you were involved into in these recent years

The main project was to be in charge of coordinating an international campaign directed to international investors for France. In this purpose, I was also managing the presence of some French ministers communication in the World Economic Forum in Davos, the place where all the big world decision are taken as well in the political and economical field.

3. What is your situation presently

Actually, I decided to leave France and I settled in Lebanon three years ago. This decision is a big change in my life since I had left Lebanon when I was a teenager. So I had to readapt and introduce myself to a society that has also changed a lot. I found rapidly a place in the theater where I performed consequently two years as a volunteer, then I was introduced to Nawraj, an NGO in charge of anchoring the Christians in their villages by helping them develop small businesses.

4. Are u still using your professional initial skills

Of course, I use my communication professional skills in helping as an adviser for all the communication projects related to the NGO.

5. How do you see your future

My future is made of art and servicing Lebanon when I have the opportunity. I would have loved to be able to promote Lebanon as an economic power as I did for France, but who knows maybe if the situation improves as we hope, I will be able to serve also. But Nawraj helps me in a way because I serve my fellow compatriots.

6. How did you come to an artistic profile?

At one point, in the last years of my professional experience in France, I felt I would like to express myself in art and I decided to take sculpture and painting courses. I was rapidly productive and my teacher was helping me a lot in sculpture because he thought I was good at it. After I settled in Beirut, I decided to concentrate on iron thread sculptures.

7. What do these sculptures mean to you?

The feeling one has when he works with his hands is gorgeous, you create and produce an object which expresses your feelings. It is like a media between your spirit and the earth. It is a message to the people, your message.

8. Do you think that the Lebanese society is sensitive about art?

The Lebanese people are amazing in art. I discovered a lot of artists in different artistic styles, in painting, in ceramics, in crafts. Lebanon has concentrated a lot of galleries and the people are creative and sensitive about life. The hope that lies in their inner spirit gives them the strength to perform and to create. It is Lebanon.