Art Design Lebanon currently presents Chérine Yazbeck's solo exhibition, Beirut Blast & Other Stories. This deeply moving and evocative exhibition, composed of nine chapters, represents the pinnacle of Yazbeck's four-year endeavor. It vividly captures and embodies the spirit of Beirut in the aftermath of the catastrophic explosion. Beirut Blast & Other Stories is scheduled to take place from Friday, December 15, 2023, to Saturday, January 6, 2024, on the first floor of the Tabbal Building on Sursock Street.
In Beirut Blast & Other Stories, Yazbeck delves into locations encapsulating memory fragments. Her aim? The collective sharing of these individual narratives. Within this collection, Yazbeck's documentary practice unfolds across a range of works. Here, she gathers the testimonies of the victims of the August 4, 2020 explosion, preserving them on durable print surfaces to immortalize Beirut's memories for future generations. Through image overlays, she establishes connections, similar to many Lebanese artists of her generation who grapple with the challenge of documenting their country's history. The central piece of the exhibition, a documentary video, is described by Yazbeck as “a necessary work, a therapeutic approach,” capturing the raw and harrowing moment of the Beirut port explosion, a cry of pain amidst the darkness of injustice.
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Explaining the exhibition's concept, the artist states, “The exhibition reflects on the most tragic event of contemporary Lebanon, analyzed in nine chapters about the August 4, 2020 explosion.” Addressing the challenge of artistically revisiting a frequently explored theme, she asserts, “Films are still being made about World War II; tragedies will always inspire artists. Discussing the explosion is vital as each work sheds new light on the circumstances leading to this disaster.”
Regarding the insistence and “duty” to continuously narrate Beirut and its explosion, either to exorcise it or as a constant source of inspiration, Chérine Yazbeck says, “It is both a duty and a mission to speak about August 4, 2020. It was not a trivial event. It is the outcome of decades of corruption, negligence and mismanagement. Beirut is my city, the capital of the country I love and where I live. Beirut has inspired me and shaped me as an artist. Narrating the explosion is an endless quest to understand and explain the environment I live in.”
Furthermore, she expresses her gratitude towards each person who contributed to this exhibition, “I am immensely thankful to a group of extraordinary individuals who have played pivotal roles in my journey. My heart overflows with appreciation for their invaluable contributions. Annie Vartivarian, my devoted gallerist, has been a beacon of guidance, nurturing my artistic vision and providing a platform for my creativity to flourish. My family, the cornerstone of my support, has offered unwavering encouragement and love. Tarek, Chadi, Chantal, Christine, Dina Chioni, Gilbert Hage, Ramzi Haidar, Ibrahim Dirani, Alaric Kamara, Dalya Farran, Katia Jarjoura, Hatem Imam, Chadi Dib, Aaron Hollett, Terese Abbey, Eliza Harvey, Rabih Ghannam, Axelle Kurban, Christie Karam, Ibrahim Sleiman, Haitham Atme, Carolina Ariza, Alex Homsi, Jad Melki, Gaith Abou Ghanem, Maggie Doueihi, Xavier Marquet, Hormoz Borbor, Jihad, Malek, each a steadfast pillar of strength, have generously provided their solid support. Your contributions have been invaluable, fostering my growth as an artist and enhancing the success of my endeavors. These words deeply resonate with the deep impact of our collective efforts, underscoring that art transcends individual expression; it is a shared journey, thriving on communal support and encouragement."
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The exhibition will kick start with an opening reception on Friday, December 15, from 4 PM to 9 PM. Visitors can explore it daily from 12 PM to 8 PM, except on Sundays and Mondays. Chérine Yazbeck herself will be present to conduct tours from Friday, December 15, until Thursday, December 21.
Marie-Christine Tayah
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