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Beirut إلى Berytus من 

MZIJ x Kulturnest
Exhibition

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BEIRUT THE CAPTIVATING CITY

Beirut captivates everyone who visits, igniting a profound love for the city. This painting is a heartfelt homage to Beirut’s rich cultural legacy, creating a dynamic dialogue between the past and present and inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its diverse and rich heritage. 

 

Through the use of sacred geometry and Arabic calligraphy, the piece symbolizes the essence of growth and renewal, embodying the interconnectedness of the city's continuous evolution.

 

Incorporating Fairuz's song “Li Beirut”, Nizar Kabani's poem "Beirut, The Mistress Of The World", and the city’s names Beirut and Berytus, the artwork captures the spirit of Beirut's transformation and revitalization. 

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The abstract painting delves deep into Beirut’s memory and its unique identity, emphasizing that the city’s renewal is both physical and spiritual, and illustrating how it continuously reinvents itself while preserving its core essence. 

Beirut إلى Berytus من

This abstract painting delves deep into Beirut’s memory and its Eastern-Western identity. The word "Beirut" is elegantly inscribed in modern Arabic calligraphy, rendered in striking black and white, symbolizing the city's timeless memory and dual identity. Each letter is crafted to mirror the intricate rooftop landscapes of Beirut's urban sprawl, weaving together narratives of its diverse neighborhoods. The canvas is encased in a modern wooden frame adorned with delicate Arabic calligraphy, spelling out "Beirut" in a mesmerizing pattern that echoes the city's rich cultural heritage.

 

Through this piece, the evolution of Beirut’s identity is explored and the essence of its ongoing metamorphosis is captured. By juxtaposing traditional calligraphy with modern framing and design elements, a dialogue between tradition and modernity is created. The use of Arabic calligraphy represents the past of the city, the black and white colors reflect the timeless nature of the city’s memory, and the modern wooden frame symbolizes the present and ongoing transformation. With that, the artwork invites viewers to reflect on the city's transformation, emphasizing how urban spaces retain memories while adapting to contemporary influences. It serves as an artistic response to the complex dynamics of urban renewal, urging contemplation on how cities like Beirut maintain their cultural heritage amidst ongoing change.

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URBAN CANVAS COLLECTIVE

​The piece is available as physical painting, digital artwork, and augmented reality video, offering a multifaceted experience that allows viewers to engage with Beirut's enduring spirit and vibrant history. Through these diverse formats, the artwork invites a deeper connection with the city, celebrating its resilience, beauty, and ever-evolving identity.

 

The artwork is on display under the theme of "Urban Canvas Collective Hybrid Exhibition" at Kulturnest cultural space, Beirut - Lebanon, from Sep 20 to Nov 20.

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