Sfeir-Semler Gallery Reopens Beirut Space Amid Conflict with Walid Raad Exhibition
Sfeir-Semler Gallery has reopened its Karantina neighborhood space in Beirut, Lebanon, despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The gallery had closed both its Karantina and downtown Beirut locations in September due to the bombings. Owner Andree Sfeir-Semler stated to ArtReview that reopening provides "an oasis" and "a beacon of hope for peaceful times" during nightly attacks. The Hamburg location is currently used to safely store artists' works. Lebanese artist Walid Raad's exhibition "Another Festival of (In)gratitude" is now on view, featuring large-scale video works, sculptures, and photographic prints. This show was previously displayed across both Beirut spaces before the closure. Sfeir-Semler acknowledged that people's minds might not be free for art but emphasized the need for open spaces to gather and find normality amid terror. The gallery aims to offer relief and energy through art experiences during wartime.
Key facts
- Sfeir-Semler Gallery reopened its Beirut space in the Karantina neighborhood
- The gallery closed both Beirut spaces in September due to Israeli airstrikes
- The reopening features Walid Raad's exhibition "Another Festival of (In)gratitude"
- The exhibition includes large-scale video works, sculptures, and photographic prints
- Gallery owner Andree Sfeir-Semler described the space as "an oasis" and "beacon of hope"
- The gallery's Hamburg location is being used to store artists' works safely
- The reopening occurs despite ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict and nightly bombings
- Sfeir-Semler stated the gallery provides a space for gathering and normality during war
Entities
Artists
- Walid Raad
- Andree Sfeir-Semler
Institutions
- Sfeir-Semler Gallery
- ArtReview
Locations
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Karantina
- Hamburg
- Germany