The Sursock Museum in Beirut hosted the launch of three new volumes in the “Arabic Design Library” series by Khatt Books, celebrating pioneering Arabic design.
On June 28, 2024, the prestigious Sursock Museum in Beirut was the venue for a major cultural event: the official launch of three new titles in the “Arabic Design Library” series by Khatt Books. This evening event, held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, brought together a passionate audience interested in Middle Eastern design and visual culture.
The event highlighted three books dedicated to pioneering Arab designers: Nagy Shaker: An Experimental Graphic Artist of the Egyptian Avant-Garde, Mouneer Al-Shaarani, Against the Grain: Exploring the Scope of the Arabic Letter, and Mouna Bassili Sehnaoui: The First Lebanese Woman Graphic Designer to Brand her Nation. These books, the result of extensive research, provided a fascinating insight into 20th-century Arab design history.
The evening began with captivating presentations by the respective authors. Haytham Nawar and Nagla Samir shared their discoveries about Nagy Shaker, an experimental graphic artist from the Egyptian avant-garde. Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès then explored the innovative work of Mouneer Al-Shaarani, a renowned Syrian calligrapher and designer. Finally, Yasmine Nachabe Taan presented the pioneering career of Mouna Bassili Sehnaoui, the first Lebanese woman graphic designer who left a lasting mark on her nation’s visual identity.
Mouna Bassili Sehnaoui, honored at this event, is a pioneering figure in graphic design in Lebanon. Her work marked a turning point in Middle Eastern design history, shaping her nation’s visual identity. The book dedicated to her explores her innovative journey and lasting impact on Lebanese visual aesthetics. Her presence at this event underscores the importance of recognizing women’s contributions in the traditionally male-dominated field of Arab design.
These presentations sparked keen interest among participants, including design professionals, academics, students, and art enthusiasts. Subsequent discussions highlighted the importance of documenting and celebrating Arab design heritage, often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives.
The event also underscored the crucial role of the “Arabic Design Library” series in creating a visual record of Arab design history. Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès, founder of Khatt Books, emphasized the initiative’s importance in promoting a nuanced and deeper understanding of Middle Eastern visual culture.
The evening concluded with a friendly reception at the Sursock Museum boutique, where authors signed copies of their books. This informal exchange allowed participants to deepen their discussions with the authors and foster connections within the Arab design community.
The collaboration between Khatt Books, the Institute of Fine Arts at the Lebanese American University (LAU), and the Sursock Museum was hailed as a successful example of cultural partnership. This synergy created an event that was both scholarly and accessible, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge about Arab design to a wide audience.
The impact of this event was felt far beyond the museum walls. Social media quickly shared highlights from the evening, sparking lively discussions on the importance of preserving and promoting Arab visual heritage.
This book launch marked a significant milestone in the recognition and appreciation of Arab design. It not only highlighted the work of pioneering designers but also emphasized the importance of continuing to document and study this rich visual history. As participants left the Sursock Museum, enthusiasm was palpable, suggesting growing interest in Arab design in the years to come.
