Earth of Endless Secrets
Natasha Dirany interviews David Habchy
85 works by 57 talented artists coming this month
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Time Out's Review
Natasha Dirany selects some must-check-out works by six local artists
A two-level gallery devoted to contemporary art from the Levant and other Middle Eastern regions. The ground floor hosts regular exhibitions, while the top floor holds a permanent collection of work by past and future names from the Arab art world.
63 Abdel Aziz Str, HamraAn intimate gallery dedicated to fine art located in the heart of Downtown. Make sure to check out their original, and larger, space in Antelias - major shows are exhibited in tandem between the two galleries.
Place de l'Etoile, Downtown; Hussein el Ahdab Str, AnteliasTake a break from the hustle and bustle of Sassine Square by visiting this renowned gallery. They exhibit contemporary work from the international and local art scene, specialising in paintings, sculpture and photography.
1st floor, Karam bldg, Achrafieh Str, AchrafiehSixty artists and five sculptors are featured in the Saifi Village permanent collection. In Jounieh 17th, 18th and 19th century paintings and antiques are on display. They also curate seven exhibitions of Lebanese and international artists every year.
Between Debbas and Martys Square, Saifi Village; Alwane bldg, 100 metres past the Creperie, JouniehMonthly exhibitions here of Lebanese and international artists, displaying any type of visual art, but also performing arts, textile and culinary arts. They also organise cultural and workshop events.
At intersection of Antoine Gemayel Str and Commodore Str, Assaf bldg, HamraOnce upon a time this space was a derelict warehouse. Now it's an interactive art arena. Known for exhibiting work by up-and-coming visual artists, photographers and students, Art Lounge also has a bar, concert space and an art book store.
Art LoungeThe works of internationally-recognised Lebanese painters are exhibited here - some of which have already been shown in Paris and Tokyo. Budding collectors are in luck as all paintings are for sale.
Sodeco SquareDedicated to exhibiting the most exciting Arab art, this new gallery (which also has branches in Dubai and Damascus) boasts a 500 square metre space devoted to the rich niche of local artistic talent.
Beirut Tower, Ground Floor, Zeitoune Street, across from Beirut MarinaLocated in an industrial zone, Beirut Art Center (BAC) is a unique independent space dedicated to contemporary art. The building hosts diverse yet accessible exhibitions, supported by regular activities such as lectures, performances, video projections and workshops.
Off Corniche An Nahr, bldg 13, Str 97, Zone 66, Jisr el WatiThis gallery and picture-framers has a vast collection of Lebanese paintings and sculptures. Ranging from classical to contemporary, featured artists include Cezar Gemmayel, Mustafa Faroukh and Habib Frour.
Achrafieh StrExhibits 18th and 19th century paintings and antiques plus a wide collection of Bohemian and Ruby glassware, decorative items, silver, and antiques furniture, all hand-picked from France, England, Italy and other countries.
Ghandour el Saad Str, Furn el Hayek, TabarisThis Hamra-based space holds at least one exhibition per month. Mostly features contemporary photography, installations, paintings and occasionally even handicrafts.
Gefinor Center, Block EA furniture gallery that holds collective and themed art exhibitions every once in a while.
155 Mkalles Main StrThis 25 square metre exhibition space regularly hosts art exhibitions of local artists, experimental workshops and different creative events.
Saint Nicholas Stairs, Off Gouraud Str, GemmayzehA permanent collection of artworks and paintings by mainly Lebanese artists which keeps growing. Otherwise there are seven to eight exhibitions a year.
2nd floor, Charles Du Galle Avenue, Majdalani bldgArt courses given for children aged 4-16 years with additional activites during school holidays. Enroll your kids for painting lessons (watercolour, oil, gouache, acrylic, mix media and charcoal) and sculpture (Clay & Crafts). All material is provided by La Petite Academie. Call for a schedule of usual courses and the summer special program.
Haddad bldg, Chehadeh Str, AchrafiehEvery two to three months there is a collective exhibition of local modern art, especially those which have been otherwise neglected. You can also catch well-known masterpieces that are not otherwise exhibited, specifically those produced before the 1960s.
Next to Nada Debs, Mkhallasiye StrPermanent exhibition of Lebanese and international painters laid out over four floors, each dedicated to a specific style and technique of painting. The gallery offers also the widest collection in Lebanon of art prints for large projects and the fourth floor is dedicated to framing.
Gedco Centre, Horsh TabetPart of the Haigazian University and promotes various forms of art, especially that of the university's students.
Haigazian University Art Center, Mexique Str.
88 parliament street, 1 Arab Bank Bldg. 2011-1703, Beirut