Sandra Dagher and Lamia Joreige: Building Beirut's Art Scene After War
In 2000, at the age of 22, Sandra Dagher established Espace SD in Beirut, emphasizing local artists. Following the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, she initiated Nafas Beirut, which highlighted artistic expressions amid the bombings. In 2007, alongside Saleh Barakat, she co-curated Lebanon's inaugural pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Lamia Joreige, born in 1972, focuses her art on themes of memory and history. After meeting in late 2004, Dagher and Joreige launched the Beirut Art Center (BAC) in January 2009. This nonprofit, spanning 1,500 square meters, is overseen by a council that includes both founders. Funding comprises 30% from corporations and 70% from individuals. BAC experienced delays due to political issues and hosted four exhibitions in its first year, along with weekly events. Current displays feature works by Emily Jacir and Walid Sadek until April 9.
Key facts
- Sandra Dagher opened Espace SD in Beirut in 2000 at age 22.
- Nafas Beirut exhibition took place in September 2006, two months after the Israel-Lebanon war.
- First Lebanese pavilion at Venice Biennale was in 2007, co-curated by Dagher and Saleh Barakat.
- Lamia Joreige's Objects of War series started in 1999.
- Here and Perhaps Elsewhere (2003) documents Beirut's former demarcation line.
- Beirut Art Center opened in January 2009 after five years of planning.
- BAC is 1,500 square meters with a projection room, media library, bookstore, and café.
- Funding was entirely private: 30% corporate, 70% individual donors and foundations.
- First year exhibitions included Closer, The Road to Peace, Exposure 2009, and Akraam Zaatari's solo show.
- Current exhibition features Emily Jacir and Walid Sadek until April 9.
Entities
Artists
- Sandra Dagher
- Lamia Joreige
- Saleh Barakat
- Bassam Kahwagi
- Rabih Mroué
- Maria Ousseimi
- Akraam Zaatari
- Emily Jacir
- Walid Sadek
- Jalal Toufic
- Johan Van der Keuken
- LIGNA
Institutions
- Espace SD
- Galerie Agial
- Beirut Art Center
- Venice Biennale
- Sharjah Biennial
- Delfina Foundation
Locations
- Paris
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Venice
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Berlin
- London
- Sharjah
- Iran
- Turkey
- Armenia
Sources
- artpress —