Maeve Brennan's film The Drift explores heritage conservation in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley

Maeve Brennan's 50-minute film The Drift (2017) examines heritage preservation and daily life in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley, a region impacted by civil war, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and antiquities looting. Produced by Chisenhale Gallery with Spike Island, Bristol, the work employs static landscape shots and interviews with three men who act as caretakers. Fakhry guards Roman temple ruins near his hometown, a conservator at the American University of Beirut attempts to reassemble broken pottery, and a young man drifts his BMW and collects car parts. The film contrasts the valley's contemplative landscapes with its reality as a hub for smuggling, carjacking, and Hezbollah activity. One scene shows a man possibly trading looted artifacts via smartphone, while the young driver points out a bombed Hezbollah member's car from 2012. Brennan's work reveals mundane persistence amid rubble, echoing themes in post-civil war artists like Akram Zaatari. The film was exhibited at Chisenhale Gallery, London from 31 March to 4 June 2017, and at Lismore Castle Arts, Ireland through 20 May 2018. ArtReview published this coverage in its May 2017 issue.