'Our artists are lights in the dark': as war rages in Lebanon, Beirut's galleries find refuge at Frieze

Andrée Sfeir-Semler, the founder of Sfeir-Semler Gallery, states: "There are bombardments every night, it's really terrifying. It has never been this bad. In Lebanon, people are not free to look at art." The ongoing war essentially prohibits the local population from engaging with artistic expression, reflecting a dire socio-political reality. Sfeir-Semler emphasizes the challenges of safely exhibiting art in Lebanon given the current conflict.

Sfeir-Semler remarks, "Whenever something like this happens, the hardship of the war years comes back. Whatever the art world does is very welcome, although it cannot change things. We can only leave testimonies." This statement underlines the role of art as a form of documentation and expression during crises, showcasing the resilience of artists in the face of adversity.

Joumana Asseily, founder of Marfa' gallery, shares her thoughts stating, "We made it to Frieze and have installed a booth dedicated to the Lebanese artist Stéphan. This participation allows us to connect with the international art world and showcase the strength of Lebanese creativity, even in the darkest times. It’s vital that our artists are visible on global platforms."

Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events