Shifting Crossroads: Beirut Contemporary at Circolo in Milan

The group exhibition 'Shifting Crossroads: Beirut Contemporary' at Circolo in Milan, curated by Ibrahim Nehme, presents works by Lebanese artists exploring memory, history, and the cyclical violence in Beirut. The show features Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige's 'The Battle of the Hotels: Historical Process N°1' from their series 'Wonder Beirut' (1998–2006), which uses altered postcards from the 1960s–70s to depict Beirut's transformation from a glamorous Mediterranean resort to a war-torn city. Other artists include Mona Hatoum with her porcelain sculpture 'Witness' (2009), a replica of the Martyrs' Monument with bullet holes; Lamia Joreige's mixed-media works 'Uncertain Times – Locusts' and 'Uncertain Times – Fayçal' (2021); Akram Zaatari's 'YM Series' (2024) mapping the Mediterranean; Catherine Cattaruzza's installation 'I am Folding the Land' (2022); Rabih Mroué's video 'Too close but yet inaccessible' (2022); Simone Fattal's sculptures 'Standing Man' (2012) and 'Woman' (2011); and Soraya Salwan Hammoud's drawings 'Progenies of Oil' (2025). The exhibition, originally conceived to celebrate Beirut's cultural renaissance, opened during renewed conflict 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.