Artist reflects on witnessing war, memory, and art's role in Lebanon's post-conflict landscape

An artist’s narrative delves into the difficulties of artistic expression following Lebanon's First War (1975–1990). Those who lived through the conflict find it hard to convey their experiences, as the language has been marred by violence. Their art often reflects absence without directly addressing trauma, eventually making its way into the global art scene. The author raises concerns about the significance of art in international markets while destruction persists in Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Iraq. Political instability complicates the act of witnessing, with laws often disregarded and young men perishing in battles, leaving behind video accounts on YouTube. Notable Beirut sites—Rue de Damas, Badaro Street, and Tahouita roundabout—embody urban vanitas. Personal recollections include the author's father in a mass grave and a family tragedy on September 9, 1983. This article appeared in Afterall issue 35 on June 13, 2014.