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In the heart of Beirut’s vibrant cultural scene, a new book titled L’art et son lieu–Essai sur les 30 ans de la Galerie Janine Rubeiz, emerges as a testament to the enduring legacy of this famous gallery. Authored by the renowned Lebanese French-language novelist Charif Majdalani, this book, accompanied by a visual anthology from Gregory Buchakjian, traces the gallery’s 30-year history within its artistic, cultural and geographical context.
The Janine Rubeiz Gallery, founded 30 years ago under the guidance of Nadine Begdache and honoring the legacy of one of the great figures in Lebanese culture, has been a cornerstone in Beirut’s artistic landscape. Charif Majdalani, in this commemorative work, encapsulates the journey of this iconic space which has significantly influenced Beirut’s cultural and artistic scene over the past three decades.
This narrative by Majdalani succinctly covers a part of the history of modern and contemporary art in Lebanon and its exhibition spaces, highlighting the pivotal role played by Nadine Begdache and the Janine Rubeiz Gallery. The text is enriched by a detailed visual anthology curated by Gregory Buchakjian, creating a dialogue that enhances the reader’s understanding and appreciation.
Charif Majdalani, born in Beirut in 1960, is a prominent figure in the world of literature. After completing his education at the Lycée Français in Beirut and the University of Provence, where he obtained a Ph.D. with a thesis on Antonin Artaud in 1993, he returned to Lebanon. He has penned eight novels, including acclaimed works like Histoire de la Grande Maison (2005), Caravansérail (2007), and Villa des femmes (2015). His writing, translated into multiple languages, has garnered several awards, including the special jury prize of the Prix Femina for Beyrouth 2020, journal d’un effondrement. Majdalani is also a professor at Saint-Joseph University in Beirut (USJ), where he led the French Literature Department and actively contributes to literary and cultural discourses.
Gregory Buchakjian, a multifaceted artist and art historian, serves as an associate professor and director of the School of Visual Arts at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts – Alba. The multifacetedness of his work, which often combines archives, archaeology and storytelling, is evident in his Ph.D. thesis at the Sorbonne and several exhibitions and publications focusing on Beirut’s urban and cultural transformations.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, Charif Majdalani signed copies of L’art et son lieu-Essai sur les 30 ans de la Galerie Janine Rubeiz, at the gallery on December 12. This event has coincided with the collective exhibition 30 Years of Color, which features works from 32 artists who have collaborated with the gallery over the years.
Published by Kaph Books and priced at $40, L’art et son lieu- Essai sur les 30 ans de la Galerie Janine Rubeiz is now available for purchase at the Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Antoine Bookstore, Stephan Bookstore and the Sursock Museum. In a time when books have become a luxury in Lebanon, this insightful and beautifully presented volume makes an excellent gift idea for the upcoming Christmas season. This book is not just a celebration of the gallery’s past but also a beacon of inspiration for the future of art and culture in Lebanon.
