October 22–October 25 2015
Marfa’
1339 Marfa’ District
Beirut, Lebanon
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday noon–7pm
Founded by Joumana Asseily, Marfa’ (which means “port” in Arabic) is a new contemporary art gallery located in the port of Beirut. It will open its doors on October 22 with the launching of its first exhibition: a show dedicated to the work of Vartan Avakian.
Marfa’ comes from two joint aims: to work closely with artists from diverse backgrounds on idea-based projects, and to establish a new original space in the city’s flourishing artistic landscape. After studying art and architecture in Paris, Joumana Asseily moved to Los Angeles, where she started her art collection and witnessed the emerging contemporary art scene in California. In 2006, she moved to Beirut. Since then, she has collaborated with non-profit art organizations such as Ashkal Alwan, the Beirut Art Center, and the Arab Image Foundation. In 2011 she joined the board of Ashkal Alwan.
Marfa’, her latest project, is an art gallery based on the idea that the art scene in Lebanon is calling for new spaces. “The idea of creating a new gallery in Beirut emerged from conversations with curators and artists in Lebanon and abroad. In a way, I can say that it has been a collective decision,” says Asseily. The gallery and its projects are indeed built upon a desire of dialogue and collective thinking. “We are looking for innovative ways to engage diverse audiences through the work of contemporary artists.”
Marfa’ opens on October 22 with Vartan Avakian’s first solo exhibition in Lebanon. Collapsing Clouds of Gas and Dust is a new production emerging from an ongoing conceptual project. It features artworks resulting from an elaborate artistic and scientific process: a set of crystals, made out of dust collected in the Barakat Building, and a series of photographs. In parallel to his collaboration with Marfa’, Vartan Avakian will be part of the opening exhibition of the Sursock Museum. Says Asseily: ”We want to take part in a bilateral dynamic: relaying the global interest for Lebanese contemporary art, and participating in the rising interest for art in Lebanon. But our intention is also to introduce artists from abroad to the local audiences and to accompany the artists on the international art scene.”
For its second exhibition, Marfa’ will present a solo show of new works by artist Tamara Al-Samerai, opening on December 17.