Art Design Lebanon_ Everyone is the creator of one›s own faith_ 03.04.2021 / 24.04.2021
Tabbal Building_ Sursock_ Beirut_ Lebanon_
Dating back to the late 19th century, the Tabbal building’s architectural makeup and current condition mirror the events that Beirut has experienced in recent years. In a state of ruin since the explosion of 4 August 2020, the building has lain quiet and uninhabited. As the site of AD Leb’s pop-up exhibition, the Tabbal building offers a unique opportunity to present works by Lebanese artists and designers in a space that is also shaped by local forces.
Understanding the unique architecture of the building to be as valuable as the objects on display, the exhibition design is minimalist in its approach, keeping the space as untouched as possible. The building has been cleared of debris – with fragments stored safely for future restoration – but its state of decay remains evident, the effects of history left visible in its fabric. The artworks and design objects from contemporary makers animate its various rooms and spaces, punctuating the building’s original ornamental features.
The main design intervention was to introduce an element of suspension: silver scaffolds stretch from floor to ceiling, allowing artworks to float in space and providing rods for lighting and exhibit labels. Stacks of thick terracotta bricks act as bases for the structure and as pedestals for the works where needed. Transparent gels are stretched in each room to hold the exhibition texts. These gestures are as minimal as possible, foregrounding the textures of both the building and the artworks. The effect is that the building becomes as powerful an actor and agent in the exhibition as the contemporary works themselves, enabling the show to materialize a conversation across centuries.
AD Leb is the pilot project of Gaïa Fodoulian, who was killed in the Beirut port explosion of August 4th, 2020.
Gaïa’s mother, Annie Vartivarian, an art patron, and gallerist, is realizing this vision as a tribute to her daughter.
Curator _Annie Vartivarian
Scenography _Ghaith&Jad
Exhibition graphics: _Studio Safar
3D mapping: _XYZ Beirut
Editor: _Muriel N. Kahwagi
Communication and PR: _Sutton (UK), Mirros (LB)
Social Media Communication: _Bassem Saad
Photography.Videography: _Vartan Sereydarian
Participants:
Samer Bou Rjeily . Karen Chekerdjian . Sirine Fattouh . Gaïa Fodoulian . Hatem Imam . Paul Kaloustian . Nathalie Khayat . Hussein Nassereddine . Caroline Tabet