Marwan Rechmaoui's 'Municipalities' Inaugurates Beirut Art Center's Central Hall Commission

Beirut Art Center has launched its Central Hall Commission, an annual spatial intervention begun in 2023, with Marwan Rechmaoui's large-scale installation 'Municipalities' (Baladiyyat). The work is a metal skeleton/half-pyramid set against the wall of the center's central hall, intended as an autonomous space within a space for music performances, children's workshops, or rest. Rechmaoui explores themes of cartography, urbanization, borders, territory, authority, and autonomy, reflecting on shrinking public space and human interaction. The installation includes a musical component: three experimental musicians—Charbel Haber, Fadi Tabbal, and Yara Asmar—each perform a live piece inside the pyramid, recorded and played until the next performance. Haber performed at the opening in late October, Tabbal in late December, Asmar in late February, and all three will play together as a trio at the closing in April. The musicians were given free rein, and their electro-heavy, non-conventional instruments complement the metallic structure. Rechmaoui emphasizes the interactive and flexible nature of the space, which may also host kids' workshops or serve as a reading room. The installation runs until 19 April 2024.