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The Beirut Blast & Other Stories – Solo Exhibition by Chérine Yazbeck
Letter from the director
Lebanon, like many of its neighbours, has suffered in recent decades as political forces and national disasters have relegated it to a place of war, corruption, and economic deprivation. The Beirut port blast of August 4th, 2020, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in human history caused by the improper storage of large amounts of ammonium nitrate in the port silos, is one such tragedy in Lebanon’s tumultuous contemporary history.
Chérine Yazbeck shares Art Design Lebanon’s mission of fostering remembrance and commemoration for the victims of the Beirut port blast. My daughter Gaïa, whose vision it was to create AD Leb, was one of those killed in the explosion, but the victims of this disaster extend beyond those who lost their lives and those who lost loved ones. The port blast has affected everyone who lives in Beirut, as people struggle to rebuild what has been lost, many deciding to leave the city for good. The damage to Beirut’s infrastructure is matched only by the crippling loss of security and the sense of injustice that people feel every day. Chérine has dedicated her recent practice to remembering and visualising that tragic day and its aftermath with unmatched journalistic precision and artistic sensitivity. Chérine’s love for, and connection to, Beirut is inextricably tied to her work. For that reason, she often deals with themes of loss, destruction, and memory. Her multimedia practice allows her to tackle complex issues and histories from multiple angles, to maximise the impact and reach of the stories she tells. From her forensic photography to AI-generated video and compelling documentary films, Chérine’s visual narratives are emotive, exploratory, and effectual.
Adhering to AD Leb’s pop-up exhibition model, The Beirut Blast & Other Stories is held in the Tabbal Building on Beirut’s historic Sursock Street. Built between 1880 and 1940, the building is an architectural gem that represents the rich culture and history of Beirut. It, too, is a survivor of the port blast with many other such historical buildings being heavily damaged or destroyed. It is therefore a fitting venue for Chérine’s works, which document the explosion and its repercussions.
Commemoration is our collective duty. Now, over three years on from the Beirut port blast, it is more vital than ever that Lebanon and the world at large do not forget this terrible moment in history. As so many other places in the region continue to suffer unthinkable destruction and loss, we invite you to join us for this exhibition to journey through both trauma and resilience, reflecting on the power and purpose of artistic expression. This exhibition is both an act of remembrance and an homage to the indomitable spirit of our people—as well as a hopeful step towards a brighter future for Lebanon and its neighbours.
With warm appreciation,
Annie Vartivarian, Director, AD Leb
25 October 2023
The Beirut Blast & Other Stories
In the wake of the tragic events that shook Beirut to its core in 2020, Art Design Lebanon, a dynamic and avant-garde art gallery, has emerged as a platform for healing and reflection. At the forefront of this endeavour is Chérine Yazbeck, a tireless artist who has dedicated the last four years to documenting and encapsulating the spirit of Beirut in the aftermath of the catastrophic explosion. The result is a poignant and evocative 9-chapter exhibition titled Beirut Blast & Other Stories.
Chérine Yazbeck’s exhibition is not merely a collection of artworks; it is a visceral journey through the heart and soul of a city that has faced unimaginable challenges. Each chapter serves as a narrative thread, weaving together the resilience, strength, and untold stories of the people of Beirut. From the immediate aftermath of the blast to the slow process of rebuilding, Yazbeck’s work captures the spectrum of emotions that define this chapter in the city’s history.
Art Design Lebanon, known for its avant-garde approach to showcasing creative works, has provided Yazbeck with a unique platform to bring her vision to life. The gallery’s commitment to promoting unconventional and thought-provoking art aligns seamlessly with the raw and unfiltered nature of Beirut Blast & Other Stories. The exhibition challenges conventional artistic boundaries, pushing the viewer to confront the harsh realities faced by the people of Beirut while simultaneously celebrating their resilience.
Each chapter within the exhibition serves as a visual testament to the artist’s dedication and the gallery’s mission to foster dialogue and understanding. From mixed media installations to powerful photographs and videos, Yazbeck’s work transcends traditional mediums, offering a multi-sensory experience that invites the audience to immerse themselves in the narrative.
Beirut Blast & Other Stories at Art Design Lebanon is more than an exhibition; it is a collective catharsis, a space where the artist and the audience engage in a poignant dialogue about loss, rebuilding, and hope. Through this collaboration, Chérine Yazbeck and Art Design Lebanon have not only created a powerful artistic narrative but have also contributed to the collective healing process of a city that continues to rise from the ashes with resilience and grace.