Sfeir-Semler Gallery marks 40 years bridging Middle Eastern and international art scenes
The Sfeir-Semler Gallery marks its 40th anniversary and two decades since its Beirut branch opened. Established by Andrée Sfeir-Semler in Kiel, Germany, in 1985, the Beirut location debuted on April 9, 2005, amidst the political unrest following Prime Minister Rafic Hariri's assassination. The gallery became involved with the local art community after encountering Walid Raad's creations. It has presented works by notable artists such as Mounira Al Solh, Akram Zaatari, and Etel Adnan. In 2011, it showcased the largest group of non-Western artists at dOCUMENTA (13), while Zaatari represented Lebanon at the 2013 Venice Biennale. The current exhibition, 'The Shade,' features artists who have partnered with the gallery over the past twenty years, highlighting resilience in Lebanon's turbulent landscape.
Key facts
- Sfeir-Semler Gallery celebrates 40 years of operation and 20 years in Beirut
- Founder Andrée Sfeir-Semler opened her first gallery in Kiel, Germany in 1985
- The Beirut gallery opened on April 9, 2005 during political unrest following Rafic Hariri's assassination
- The gallery discovered Walid Raad through a Berlin exhibition curated by Catherine David
- dOCUMENTA (13) in 2011 featured the largest number of non-Western artists in its history, mostly represented by Sfeir-Semler
- Akram Zaatari nearly won the Golden Lion at the 2013 Venice Biennale's Lebanese Pavilion
- Wael Shawky and Mounira Al Solh had notable presentations at last year's Venice Biennale
- Yto Barrada will represent France and Sung Tieu Germany at next year's Venice Biennale
Entities
Artists
- Andrée Sfeir-Semler
- Walid Raad
- Etel Adnan
- Akram Zaatari
- Wael Shawky
- Mounira Al Solh
- Yto Barrada
- Sung Tieu
Institutions
- Sfeir-Semler Gallery
- dOCUMENTA (13)
- Venice Art Biennale
- Lebanese Pavilion
- Egyptian Pavilion
- Canvas
Locations
- Kiel
- Germany
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Berlin
- Venice
- France