Tamara Zantout's 'Drawing Lines' Explores Beirut Graffiti and Identity
In 'Drawing Lines', writer Tamara Zantout examines Lebanese identity through Beirut's graffiti scene, documenting works by around 20 street artists including Yazan Halwani, Said Mahmoud, and Karim Tamerji. The 224-page book, published by The Urban Fusion in 2018, features photographs from two photographers and covers neighborhoods like Achrafieh, Karantina, Beit Beirut, and La Brasserie du Levant. Zantout decodes messages reflecting political turmoil and collective memory, offering insights into residents' sentiments and the entanglement of public art with politics.
Key facts
- Book titled 'Drawing Lines' published in 2018 by The Urban Fusion
- 224 pages, priced at $70
- Author Tamara Zantout uses Beirut graffiti as lens to explore Lebanese identity
- Features works of around 20 artists including Yazan Halwani, Said Mahmoud, Karim Tamerji
- Documents neighborhoods: Achrafieh, Karantina, Beit Beirut, La Brasserie du Levant
- Two photographers collaborated on the project
- Artists provide statements about motivations and involvement in graffiti
- Graffiti messages reflect both situations and sentiments of Beirut residents
Entities
Artists
- Yazan Halwani
- Said Mahmoud
- Karim Tamerji
Institutions
- The Urban Fusion
Locations
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Achrafieh
- Karantina
- Beit Beirut
- La Brasserie du Levant