BEIRUT ART FAIR has imposed itself on the regional and international artistic scenes. The ME.NA.SA stamp bestows on the fair a distinguishing position in tune with the interests of collectors.

Established artistic values and rising stars of the art market can be found in this region of contrasting cultures which extends from Morocco to Indonesia. These are manifested not only by public sales, but also by exhibitions in museums and private foundations. This is currently the case for events such as the 55^th Venice Biennale, testimony to the creative energy and growing presence of ME.NA.SA artists globally.

The city of Beirut is at the heart of this dynamic with some fifty international galleries and a diverse cultural program on the agenda for the upcoming 4th edition of the BEIRUT ART FAIR, taking place between the 19th to 22nd of September 2013.

FAIR emphasizes that “this event, launched in 2010 has strengthened, alongside other cultural bodies, the interest of collectors and art professionals from across the world in the Lebanese artistic scene. Hence, BEIRUT ART FAIR 2013 has been granted for the first time the High Patronage of his Excellency, The President of The Republic of Lebanon, General Michel SLEIMAN.”

Paul Guiragossian
La Force De L’Unité, Circa late 80′s early 90′s
Oil on Canvas
50 x 70 cm
Courtesy Emmagoss

CONTEMPORARY ART, PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

47 galleries, hailing for 14 countries will take part in the BEIRUT ART FAIR. All the works on display attest as to the effervescence of contemporary artistic creation in the ME.NA.SA region.

This diversity of trends mirrors the artistic ferment which renders the art world vibrant across the globe.

Moreover, BEIRUT ART FAIR allows the discovery of artists inspired by their heritage and tumultuous history, creating works unburdened by the fuss of globalization, fashion trends and the star system.

10 European galleries join this 2013 edition of the fair: Belgium is represented by The SK8ROOM, France by Galerie Bouillon d’art, Galerie Nikki Diana Marquardt, Galerie Sophie Lanoë, Douze Galerie, Mark Hachem Gallery, JK Art, T.Galerie Bubble Art and XPO Gallery, Portugal by Caroline Pagès.

Therefore, 9 galleries from Southeastern Asia are honored in a pavilion curated by Richard Koh. In this pavilion, Indonesia is represented by Vivi Yip Art Room, Umahseni Gallery and Gallery Rachel, the Philippines are represented by Blanc Gallery and Finale Art File, Singapore is represented by Art Seasons Gallery, Chan Hampe Gallery and Richard Koh Fine Art, Thailand is represented by Gallery D-9.

One single gallery hails from South America: Laura Arce Art Gallery, established in Venezuela. As for the United States, they are represented by the Chicago-based gallery Jennifer Norback Fine Art.

27 galleries from the Middle East are presented at this 2013 edition, for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Al Mohtaraf Gallery, for the United Arab Emirates: XVA Gallery, for Syria: Samer Kozah Gallery and Tajalliyat Art Gallery.

Lebanon is represented by 22 galleries with the participation of Agial Art Gallery, Aïda Cherfan Fine Art , Art Circle, Art Factum Gallery, Art on 56th, L’Atelier 85, Bokja, Karen Chekerdjian Studio, Cynthia Nouhra Art Gallery, Diana Tabbara Studio, Nada Debs, Emmagoss Art Gallery, Hamazkayin «Lucy Tutunjian» Art Gallery, Galerie Janine Rubeiz, L.A.S, Les Plumes, OUNOVIS by baalcreations, Rima Khatib designart, South Border, Smogallery, Galerie Tanit and Raffi Tokatlian.

DIVERSE CULTURAL PROGRAM

Since its conception in 2010, BEIRUT ART FAIR is keen on building a hybrid fair which also featured a quality cultural program; open to the changes of the international art market and the various aspects of Lebanese culture.

To kick-off the event, BEIRUT ART WEEK will, for the first time, descend on the Lebanese capital from the 18th till the 24th of September 2013. The featured route gathers some twenty projects combining installations, sculptures and interactive performances that will take shape across Beirut landmarks such as the city-center souks, Zaitounay Bay, Saifi Village and Harbour Square.

Among the artists invited to take part, Mona Hatoum, Xavier Veilhan, Matthew Monahan, Marc Quinn and Philippe Pasqua, to name a few.

Within the framework of the Beirut International Exhibition Leisure Center (BIEL), BEIRUT ART FAIR presents an original exhibition titled « Generation War », sponsored by the journalist Marine Jacquemin.

This exhibition, curated by Katya Traboulsi, combines the works of six Lebanese photojournalists born in the 1960s; George Azar, Patrick Baz, Aline Manoukian, Samer Mohdad, Jack Dabaghian and Roger Moukarzel, all of whom have now become internationally renowned photographers.

Lebanese photography will also be honored with the delivery of the second BYBLOS BANK AWARD trophy.

Design is also on the agenda. A platform will be dedicated to young contemporary designers, with the participation of Jérôme Sans. This initiative saw the light of day with the intervention of BLC Bank who has been engrossed, for many years now, in lending its support to artistic activities in Lebanon.

Also of note is the support of Solidere to BEIRUT ART FAIR and BEIRUT ART WEEK.

An endorsement rooted in its will to strengthen the role of Beirut as cultural and artistic hub regionally and internationally.

BEIRUT ART FAIR : www.beirut-art-fair.com