The Beiteddine Art Festival, one of the Middle East’s leading cultural events, takes place at the magnificent 200-year-old Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon. This year’s series of captivating art exhibitions begins on Thursday, July 25, at 6:00 p.m.
Three exhibitions highlight the festival: Landscapes of Belonging, a visual celebration of Lebanon’s natural beauty and political resistance; Lahab, a fiery visual installation; and Oro Terram, a poignant prayer for the earth.
In the Palace Main Gallery, the Landscapes of Belonging exhibition is a tribute to nature and resistance. Curated by Saleh Barakat, it showcases paintings that celebrate the Lebanese landscape, particularly the South. This exhibition pays homage to the late painter Abdulhamid Baalbaki and highlights the diversity of Lebanon’s natural beauty, from the hilly South to the flat Bekaa Valley, and from the olive groves to the cedar forests of the North.
The artworks reflect a deep connection to place and a sense of belonging, emphasizing the political dimension of depicting land as an act of resistance. The varied landscapes portrayed in the paintings symbolize the rich plurality of Lebanon, resonating with its complex political tapestry. Each artist’s interpretation brings a unique perspective, balancing intimacy and distance, revealing a profound understanding of their homeland.
Lahab and Oro Terram are a visual and musical journey. In the Al Midan Courtyard and the Vaulted Gallery, composer and visual artist Zad Moultaka presents Lahab and Oro Terram, curated by Naila Kettaneh Kunigk. This dual exhibition, in collaboration with Galerie Tanit Beirut, explores themes of fire and earth, reflecting the tumultuous times Lebanon is facing and the passionate spirit that endures.
Lahab (Blaze) and Oro Terram (Prayer for the Earth) are Zad Moultaka’s poignant responses to the sacred trials Lebanon endures, as well as the fierce flame that consumes the world today, igniting the hearts of its people. These installations combine visual artistry with musical composition, creating an immersive experience that resonates deeply with visitors.
The Beiteddine Art Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the convergence of heritage and contemporary art in a historic setting. As the festival opens its doors, it invites audiences to engage with the profound stories and diverse expressions of Lebanese artists, set against the backdrop of the stunning Beiteddine Palace.
