Art Of Change By Ahla Fawda

If you walk the streets of Hamra on Cairo Street today, you will see two new giant murals appearing high above the streets. Two artists have collaborated to produce two murals interpreting the contrasts, diversity and unity of Beirut- Elias Zaarour alias "zed40", and Karim Tamerji.

They represent the same lady with two allegoric attitudes in different periods of time, the traditional and the modern, explained the artists about their murals that adorn the wall of the Massabki-Serhal building in Hamra.

The power of the mother represented by a standing lady with children on her shoulder (protection) and stuck in her roots, on the other part of the wall the modern woman full of hope, looking up towards the future and expressing freely.

The two works are the latest additions by Ahla Fawda who are one of the main driving forces behind colouring Lebanon's streets. The founding president Imane Assaf has been promoting this vibrant public art form for some time now. Creating murals around Lebanon and collaborating with many sought after international and Lebanese artists.

These murals also mark the start of a new movement started by Ahla Fawda and in collaboration with international partners WhereTheresWalls and London Based RISEgallery called 'Art Of Change'.

The Art of Change is a project committed to empowering people and communities through the promotion of art and all the positive benefit art can bring.

The murals have been made possible through funding by the owners of the Massabki-Serhal building, our sponsor Tinol, and the public through a successful crowd funding campaign- demonstrating a large public support for this kind of artwork in Lebanon.

In celebration of the completion of the new murals, Ahla Fawda will officially unveil them on the 2^nd May and will be hosting an exhibition to showcase other works by the mural artists alongside  works by a number of artists that have collaborated with Ahla Fawda over the years.

The show will also feature a selection of artwork from across Europe.

Four artists will be featured in the show: Elias Zaarour, Karim Tamerji, Jad El Khoury, and Ghaleb Hawila

"The Art of Change Show" will run through May 2019. The artist's will be present at the opening reception Thursday, May 2, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 10- 6:00, and by appointment. For additional information please contact Imane Assaf on 03907360