Beyrouth_ Les temps du design_ 07.04.2023 / 06.08.2023
MUDAC_ Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts_ Lausanne_ Switzerland
in collaboration with CID_ Center of Innovation and Design_ Grand Hornu_ Beligum
Platform 10_ Lausanne_ Switzerland
This exhibition celebrates the developing scene of object design and craftsmanship in Lebanon. Our approach stems from an exploration of Lebanese design within its political context, understanding how it has been shaped by the challenging circumstances the country has faced: from the civil war of 1975-1990, to the economic and political crises happening today.
Beirut is a city where both historical and modern ruins are present, in physical and metaphorical form, as a constant reminder of loss. We envision a disrupted exhibition landscape, one that reflects the fragile context in which Lebanese designers live and work. The exhibition scenography is rendered an abstract archeological site, a fragmented terrain of display, representing Beirut’s delicate (in)stability.
Instability has always been a daily reality for Lebanese people, and for the design community. To foreground this notion of precarity in the exhibition, a single object is carried by more than one mass, portraying the unstable grounds we stand on and our constant state of limbo. The topography intends to create moments of stillness for shifting objects, allowing the visitor to appreciate the intricate work invested in the pieces from multiple angles and perspectives.
The Archive Section_The History of Lebanese Design.
Under French rule (1918-1943), Beirut – proclaimed capital of Greater Lebanon in 1920 – restructured itself according to the Western model and thus distinguished itself from most of the cities of the Levant. Despite the significant development of its outskirts – due to major demographic growth – only the city centre benefited from these major works. The exhibition starts by putting contemporary design in a historical perspective, from the 1940s to the 1990s.
The Contemporary Section_From the ‘90s to the Present Day.
When the civil war (1975-1990) came to an end, the reconstruction of Beirut and a new start for Lebanon appeared to be an absolute priority in order to strengthen its appeal and attract investors. Many Lebanese citizens returned to the country. In this particular context, design began reclaiming geographical, economic and creative spaces. Beirut became a creative hub where workshops, galleries, schools, architecture firms, bars and restaurants set up shop.
The Minjara Section_Minjara Tripoli
Minjara, which means “carpentry” in Arabic, was born out of the desire to preserve Lebanon’s woodworking heritage and to foster dialogue between traditional craftspeople and contemporary designers in a spirit of innovation. This project, implemented with the help of the European Union, aims to support the wood industry, which was in danger of disappearing in Tripoli due to the sectarian clashes that, until 2014, affected this region, which was once known as the basin of traditional Lebanese furniture and crafts.
Collaborators: CID x MUDAC x PLATFORME 10
Curator: Marco Costantini (Deputy Director of mudac, Lausanne)
Scenography: Ghaith Abou Ghanem, Jad Melki (GHAITH&JAD)
Scientific CollaB: Gregory Buchakjian
Assistant Curator: Rafael Santianez
Graphic Designer: Chris Gautschi
CID Director: Marie Pok (Director of CID, Belgium)
Communication: Sylvie Rottmeier
Technicians: Boris Dennler, Sébastien Litré, Willy Pellizzari
Photography: Khashayar Javanmardi
Participants
The Archive Section_
Sami El Khazen, Pierre El Khoury, Michel Harmouche, Interdesign - Khalil Khoury, Fontana - Jack Matossian, Piccaluga (Francesco Piccaluga (1932) et Aldo Piccaluga (1935), Jean Royère (1902-1981), Serge Sassouni + Maison Tarazi
The Contemporary Section_
200 Grs., Marc Baroud, Carla Baz, Karen Chekerdjian, Nada Debs, Marc Dibeh, Carlo Massoud and Mary-lynn Massoud, Georges Mohasseb, Wyssem Nochi, Anastasia Nysten, Sayar & Garibeh, Spockdesign, Thomas Trad, Richard Yasmine
The Minjara Section_
1% Architecture, Architecture & Mécanismes, Samer Alameen, Ahmad Bazazo, Sahar Bizri, Borgi / Bastormagi, MAD Architecture, Elie Metni, Atelier M+A, Thomas Trad
Partners:
ALBA, Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts, University of Balamand
AUB, American University of Beirut