- 15
- Oct.
- 2024
The Exhibition ‘The Art of Kinetic Photography Over Time’ (“L'Art de la photographie cinétique au fil du temps”) takes place at Cinéma Le Lincoln as part of the Franco-Lebanese Film Festival (FFLF). The event runs until October 20, 2024.
The exhibition The Art of Kinetic Photography Over Time, initiated and organized by Fabienne Touma, founder and president of El Fan, explores the boundary between photography and cinema through two main themes: body blur and the dance of the elements. It reflects the transition from the static image to the moving image, unveiling new artistic forms that play with temporality and the perception of reality, while inviting reflection on the fleeting moment captured by art. The curator of the exhibition explains how these works subtly transform our understanding of time and movement, thus opening a window to the ephemeral captured timelessly.
Could you explain the concept of your exhibition?
The exhibition I designed takes place in a cinema, a setting where it isn't always feasible to hang artworks as in a gallery. Therefore, I opted to use the staircase, the sole common passageway between different levels, as a bridge between reality and fiction. My focus is on kinetic photography, a specific technique that captures movement through shutter speed. The idea was to create a journey along the staircase, where images start as static snapshots and gradually evolve into moving images, thereby guiding visitors towards the screening rooms. It is a true pictorial journey through cinema and photography.
How did you select the photographers and their works for this exhibition?
With kinetic photography, images come to life and photographers tell their stories differently. I selected photographers who employ this technique in unique ways. First, Philippe Aractingi's work focuses on high heels, particularly a heel, inviting visitors to rediscover the magic of human interactions and feel the intensity of emotions conveyed by bodily movement. The sharpness of the heel contrasts with the surrounding blur, perfectly encapsulating the essence of feminine bodily movement. Next, Sary Asmar explores the four elements of nature—fire, wind, water, and earth—and the cosmos, which he photographs during long nighttime exposures. His series captures the rotation of stars, adding a temporal dimension to our understanding of the universe. His works also include examples of light painting photography. Nadim El Khoury creates aquatic images with a ghostly effect, capturing water in an almost transcendental form. He is also fascinated by auroras borealis, revealing their intensity through his photographs while playing with starlight. Last but not least, Pierre Abou Jawdé presents a series of children playing on the beach, reflecting the experiences of Lebanese children, with fading silhouettes symbolizing an early awareness of the social reality surrounding them. Some of my own photographs are also on display, inspired by my background in dance, seeking to capture the journey of movement through the lens.
What were the main logistical and emotional challenges during the preparation of the exhibition?
When founding El Fan, my goal was to narrate artists' stories, utilizing my expertise to serve them. My project aims to highlight their creations across various artistic fields, shedding light on their worldview. The biggest challenge was ensuring all the artworks were ready on time. Ten days before the opening, I still hadn't received all the pieces. I had to reprint some photographs in France. It was a true challenge, both logistically and emotionally, knowing how much this exhibition was anticipated by both the artists and the public.
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