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The Pavilion of Lebanon has invited Mounira Al Solh, born in Beirut in 1978, to create a bridge between myth and reality within its walls at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, from April 20 to November 24, 2024. Her extensive multimedia installation A Dance with Her Myth, comprising 41 pieces – including drawings, paintings, sculptures, embroideries and videos – is spread across the 180 square meters of the Pavilion at the Arsenale. By revisiting the myth of the rape of Europa, the artist offers insights into the aspirations and challenges faced by women today.
On canvas, paper, and screen, Mounira Al Solh’s creative process merges allegorical narrative with a documentary approach, intertwining appropriation and diversion, and delivering representations that are realistic, poetic, and distinctly contemporary. Answering the question why she chose the word “dance,” Mounira Al Solh explains that it goes far beyond perpetual motion. “It is about the reinterpretation of the myth in a playful manner, as if dancing with it. In the works, we see movements, we see dance, we also see the movement of Europa, embodying a dancing foreigner everywhere.” Expressing herself through various mediums, the artist reveals her particular fondness for painting: “I love painting because it moves me, but I also love drawing. I enjoy embroidery and filming. I cherish all the mediums I use. I particularly love clay, as it connects me with nature, our earth and mud, and our history. Any medium that brings me back to nature, or to my own nature, is truly cherished. Regarding the boat, I dream of one day creating a boat/studio to host many people for activities and togetherness. Yet, I also envision times of solitude, where I can perform.” Elaborating on whether she is dedicated to a particular cause or if she expresses herself through art to soothe her soul, Mounira Al Solh says, “This work began as part of a healing process from all we have been through in Lebanon recently. Ironically, the situation intensified after October 7. The journey of healing from our regional wars and disasters might be endless.” Sharing her emotions about participating in this year’s Biennale, she notes, “This opening week has made me realize the importance of being present at the Biennale. Artists from all corners of the globe come to showcase their works. I hope that future editions of the Lebanese pavilion will occur so that the public can regularly remember us, and that this project will receive more support to be held every two years. This would allow a greater variety of artists from Lebanon, or residing in Lebanon, to participate.”
Nada Ghandour, Commissioner and Curator of the Pavilion of Lebanon at La Biennale Arte 2024, discusses her curatorial beliefs, “As commissioner and curator of the Lebanese pavilion, a national representation, I find it crucial to showcase our country’s rich history and deep civilization. The subject must be related to Lebanon and simultaneously stand out through its universal relevance, since we exhibit in Venice.” She adds, “Art transcends borders and geography, bringing people together to address the challenges of our times. The Lebanese Pavilion addresses themes of critical importance for our current Lebanese and international society.” Reflecting on artist Mounira Al Solh, she attests, “In her monumental installation of 41 pieces, she addresses the theme of gender equality. Despite global efforts, gender parity is not consistently achieved, and women remain disadvantaged in terms of salary and employment. In Lebanon, this issue is compounded by the fact that a woman cannot pass her nationality to her children. The Lebanese Pavilion presents this exhibition to foster a collective social and political awareness through the power of art.”
Discussing the impact of participating in the Biennale on her work and Lebanon, Nada Ghandour responds, “Despite the challenges and difficulties Lebanon has faced over the years, culture has never lost its importance to us. We are delighted to be part of this prestigious event to promote our artists and showcase Lebanon’s dynamic and fertile artistic scene. The Biennale Arte also serves as an opportunity for our artists to engage with a global audience and facilitate cultural exchanges.”
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