Shifting Crossroads: Beirut Contemporary at Circolo

The group show 'Shifting Crossroads. Beirut Contemporary' opened at Circolo in Milan, curated by Ibrahim Nehme. Originally conceived to celebrate Beirut's cultural renaissance, the exhibition instead opened during renewed war in Lebanon. It features works by Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, including 'The Battle of the Hotels: Historical Process N°1' from their series 'Wonder Beirut: The story of a pyromaniac photographer' (1998–2006), based on postcards from the 1960s–70s that were burned to record the Lebanese Civil War. Other artists include Stéphanie Saadé, Omar Mismar, Mona Hatoum, Lamia Joreige, Akram Zaatari, Catherine Cattaruzza, Rabih Mroué, Simone Fattal, and Soraya Salwan Hammoud. The exhibition explores memory, history, and the cyclical violence in Lebanon. It runs until 3 July at Circolo, founded by Nicole Saikalis Bay and her husband Matteo Bay. The show is presented by the Saikalis Bay Foundation.