Fawzi Baalbaki's 'The Escape to Joy' Opens at DAC in Beirut's Stone Garden
The Dalloul Artist Collective (DAC) kicked off its curatorial project with a solo exhibition by Lebanese artist Fawzi Baalbaki, titled 'The Escape to Joy.' Held at the Stone Garden in Beirut, designed by architect Lina Ghotmeh, the show features about 55 of Baalbaki's latest paintings. These works blend personal narratives and political insights with bursts of color, interconnected figures, and bold calligraphy. Now in his 80s, Baalbaki revisits a style he developed in Paris during the 1980s, moving from realism to expressive forms. His sons, Ayman and Said Baalbaki, curated the show, which includes a filmed interview with artist Serwan Baran. Baalbaki discussed his desire to find joy amidst tragedy, and his grandson Ali Baalbaki contributed a short film. The exhibition also showcases archival pieces, including works by his brother Abdelhamid and Baran, with all artworks available for purchase, highlighting DAC's aim to support Arab artists.
Key facts
- Dalloul Artist Collective (DAC) inaugurated its curatorial program with a solo exhibition by Fawzi Baalbaki.
- The exhibition is titled 'The Escape to Joy' and is held at the Stone Garden building in Beirut.
- The Stone Garden building was designed by award-winning Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh.
- The exhibition features approximately 55 recent paintings by Baalbaki.
- Baalbaki is in his 80s and developed his expressive style in Paris in the 1980s.
- The exhibition is curated by Baalbaki's sons, Ayman and Said Baalbaki.
- A filmed interview by artist Serwan Baran is screened, where Baalbaki discusses influences including Rafic Charaf, Jawad Salim, and Shaker Hassan Al-Saeed.
- A short film by Baalbaki's grandson, Ali Baalbaki, is also on view.
- A focused retrospective includes archival material such as early paintings, sketches, and portraits by Abdelhamid Baalbaki and Serwan Baran.
- All works in the exhibition are available for acquisition.
Entities
Artists
- Fawzi Baalbaki
- Lina Ghotmeh
- Ayman Baalbaki
- Said Baalbaki
- Serwan Baran
- Rafic Charaf
- Jawad Salim
- Shaker Hassan Al-Saeed
- Ali Baalbaki
- Abdelhamid Baalbaki
Institutions
- Dalloul Artist Collective (DAC)
- Stone Garden
- Dalloul Artist Collective
- Dalloul Art Foundation
Locations
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Paris
- France