In a discreet corner of the Monnot district lies Arcanes, a haven for miniature art. Created by Gaby Kamaret and Nada Abdallah, this store, akin to a small museum, transports visitors into a timeless dimension the moment they enter. Arcanes is a realm of creation, where each miniature narrates a story with breathtaking attention to detail.
Experience the captivating world of these artists through Gaby’s perspective, where a passion for art and artisanal craftsmanship converge to provide visitors with an unforgettable journey.
For a decade, the duo of miniaturists were based in Rue du Liban. They recently expanded into a more spacious storefront across the street. Now, the workshop and the store are separate, creating two distinct spaces.
Gaby Kamar, educated at the Lebanese University’s Faculty of Architecture, chose to eschew retirement. Together with his longtime friend Nada Abdallah, a former stylist, they embarked on this artistic endeavor. This complementary pair merges their talents to craft unique miniatures. “Nada has an incredibly vivid imagination,” Gaby reveals, “while my background as an architect gives me a deep understanding of models and scales.”
The shop showcases hundreds of miniatures, each depicting a unique theme. “We create slices of life,” Gaby says. The selection process is meticulous, often spanning several months or even a year, to achieve breathtaking results. Walking past the showcases, visitors are drawn into this enigmatic art. The duo scaled down many iconic settings, including Gutenberg’s first printing press housed in an old wooden box. Gaby, an avid reader, also focused on miniatures of libraries, each crafted with care for total literary immersion.
Their approach extends beyond artistry to include ecological consciousness by repurposing old objects. “I urge people not to discard their old furniture,” Gaby advises, “I repurpose them as containers for the miniatures.” From old cigar boxes and radios to rat traps, every item is repurposed, rendering each piece unique. “I can’t replicate a piece,” the artist admits.
Drawing inspiration from famed miniaturists like Charles Matton and Peter Gabriëlse, Gaby shares his passion with those who visit his shop. “We are artisan artists,” Gaby stresses, aiming to showcase Lebanese craftsmanship. Their mission is to promote culture by appreciating artisanal work. He chose the name “Arcanes” for its mysterious connotation, perfectly mirroring the intrigue of their artistic domain. Gaby emphasizes the importance of familiarizing the Lebanese with this art form. “The challenge is overcoming the perception of our work as mere craftsmanship, which is often undervalued,” he laments. “Our goal is to cultivate an appreciation for our craft, highlighting the extensive hours of work and research involved,” he passionately states.
Arcanes stands as an unparalleled sanctuary where each miniature possesses a soul, and every detail is significant. “We are developing two new pieces,” he shares, “the most advanced of which centers on haute couture, featuring Chanel and Yves Saint-Laurent. The second will delve into the realm of sculpture.”
This unique boutique elevates craftsmanship to art, promising every visitor a dive into a mesmerizing world.
For more information:
Instagram: @arcanes-ac
Email: arcanes.ac@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +9613262924
Scan to access Arcanes’ portfolio.
Article penned by Garance Fontenette
https://www.agendaculturel.com/article/arcanes-au-coeur-de-lart-miniature
