In the past weeks we’ve witnessed protests, trash, and sandstorms – all very ugly things. Now Beirut Art Week is giving us a beautiful break, poking its head through the cracks and blossoming in city streets. From September 15 to 22 instillations, exhibitions, and events are changing Beirut’s urban landscape, bringing out its heritage and merging it with artistic expression. From public spaces to luxury boutiques, our intense little concrete jungle is transforming into an oversized art space.
The 3rd instalment of the annual event features artworks including an intricate face sculpture by Korean metal-smith Seo Young-Deok at Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab’s flagship store; a one-off Hermes scarf by Argentinian artist Julio Le Parc at the brand’s boutique in Beirut Souks; a pop-art cartoon dog by Brazil’s sensational Romero Britto in the window of the Joseph boutique; Lebanese artist Nabil Helou’s large ergonomic sculpture outside the Panarai in Beirut Souks; a tree-inspired art instillation at Vertu (who are also releasing a one-of-a-kind phone designed by the artist); and stunning sculptures by Syria’s Issa Kazah at Le Gray.
Take a walk around the Beirut Central District to discover this incredible variety of art by Lebanon’s seasoned artists and international creators. The Beirut Art Week city map will help guide you so that you don’t miss any of the must-see destinations. The weeklong event starts ahead of the Beirut Art Fair, which opens to the public on September 18. There are also additional exhibitions in other parts of town. Check out our full list below.
1 Alfred Basbous – Le Gray Hotel
2 Issa Kazah – Le Gray Hotel, 6th floor
3 Rafael Barrios – Le Gray Hotel
4 Memorial Gebran Tueini – Le Gray Hotel
5 Louis Debré – Samir Kassir Garden
6 Romero Britto – JOSEPH boutique, Foch Street
7 Safaa Al Set – Tod’s boutique, 142 Foch Street
8 Marc Quinn – AISHTI, Moutran Street
9 Ahmad Bahrani – AIR FRANCE, Saad Zaghoul Street
10 Hania Farrell – Vertu boutique, 136 Allenby Street
11 Mojé Assefjiah – Marina Rinaldi boutique, Allenby Street
12 Nayla Romanos, Iliya, Entangled Love 2015 – Souk El Tawileh, Beirut Souks
13 Arne Quinze – Sayyour Square, Beirut Souks
14 Pablo Reinoso – Jewellery Souks Square, Beirut Souks
15 Nabil Helou – Panerai boutique, Beirut Souks
16 Luis Lleo – Souk El Franj, Beirut Souks
17 Xavier Corbero – Bab Idriss Square, Beirut Souks
18 Julio Le Parc – Hermes boutique, Beirut Souks
19 Seo Young-Deok – Elie Saab Boutique, Beirut Central District
20 Anachar Basbous – Zaitunay Bay
21 Kameel Hawa – Beirut Waterfront
22 Saloua Raouda Choucair – Gibran Khalil Gibran Garden, ESCWA
23 Saloua Raouda Choucair – Amir Amin Square
24 Emile Mezher – Saifi Square, Saifi Village
25 Beirut Art Fair (September 18 – 20) – BIEL
26 “Biography” sculpture exhibition by Ahmed Albahrani ( September 16 – October 8) – Artspace Hamra, th Floor, Costa Cafe Bldg, Hamra Street
27 “September in Beirut”, a contemporary vision of Indian Art (September 17- October 18) – Beirut Exhibition Centre, Beirut Waterfront
28 “Bridge to Palestine”, an artistic expresson of 14 diverse Palestinian creators (September 18 – 28) – Mark Hachem Gallery, Salloum Street, Mina El Hosn
29 “Les Origines de la Villa Rose a Beyrouth” by Claude Mollard – Ecole Superieure des Affaire, Villa Rose, 289 rue Clemenceau