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In 2024, Tripoli shines brightly as the Arab Capital of Culture, a prestigious title that rewards its rich heritage and artistic effervescence. In this context, the city hosts the third edition of the traveling exhibition L’Art blessé, presented in the heart of the majestic Nawfal Palace, home to the Municipal Cultural Center. Gabriel Rizkallah, the exhibition’s curator, unveils the behind-the-scenes of this meaningful event.
Born from the wounds of the devastating explosion at the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020, L’Art blessé is a vibrant tribute to the resilience of the Lebanese people. “The 72 exhibited works, battered but still standing, embody the suffering and rebirth of our nation,” confides Gabriel Rizkallah. “The public, in each city visited, has been deeply touched by this story of pain and hope.”
The choice of the Nawfal Palace, an architectural gem from the 19th century, adds a historical dimension to the exhibition, weaving a powerful link between past and present. But L’Art blessé does not intend to stop there: “We dream of bringing this unique experience of Lebanon beyond our borders, from the Bekaa to the whole world,” reveals the curator.
Among the exhibited artists, the striking photographs of Joumana Jamhouri cannot fail to leave a mark. A graduate of the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP), Joumana Jamhouri is a renowned specialist in industrial, architectural, landscape, and documentary photography. Her work, imbued with a rare sensitivity, offers a unique perspective on her favorite subjects, accurately capturing the beauty and complexity of urban and natural landscapes. Jamhouri’s works presented at L’Art blessé testify to her exceptional talent for capturing the essence of a place and a moment, inviting the viewer to a genuine visual and emotional immersion.
Jocelyne Ghannagé, an artist and teacher, expresses her enthusiasm for participating in this new edition of Rotating Art, sponsored by BEMO Bank. “Artistic and cultural life continues to embellish our daily lives despite the distressing news,” she writes on social networks, thus underlining the importance of art as a source of comfort and elevation in difficult times.
In parallel, Gabriel Rizkallah is working on another major project: sharing art in schools. “This initiative opens a window on another Lebanon, creative and full of hope, showing our youth that our culture and art endure and flourish against all odds,” he emphasizes.
Until April 26, L’Art blessé invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty that springs from ruins, a universal message of resilience. Because in Lebanon, a land of art and inspiration, creation never ceases to reinvent itself, against all odds. As Gabriel Rizkallah so aptly puts it, “Even in its darkest moments, Lebanon continues to shine thanks to its cultural heritage.”
Instagram: @mariechristine.tayah
