The fanciful, decorated fish that have been seen "wandering" around the Beirut Souks since early July have "swam" to their new home at Zaitunay Bay. The Sea N' Art Exhibition at Zaitunay Bay, which was officially
inaugurated on the 30th of August, showcases the talent and creativity of 50 different Lebanese artists and inventors, who each contributed their own interpretations of the famous Lebanese Dorade fish, also known as the "fridna."The artistic initiative, led by Big Time and Solidere, is more than a celebration of Lebanese cultural talent and heritage, but also is a creative fundraiser for three Lebanese non-profit organizations: Tamanna, Heartbeat, and Toufoula, which seeks to benefit children suffering from disease. Each decorated fish is featured in an online auction, allowing individuals to bid on each fish. The fish will be on display at Zaitunay Bay until October 5, when the auction winners will be announced.
The history of the Dorade fish is closely tied in with Lebanese long aquatic and seaside heritage. Each artist took a basic 1½ meter long white fiberglass fish designed by artist Colette Tabet, and using their own vision, style and mediums, transformed each fish into a work of art. Some are artistic reminders of the importance of protecting the environmental health of Lebanese sea resources, while others are reflective of the charitable goals behind the exhibition itself, and some are just beautiful creations reflecting the talents of some of Lebanon's most well-known artistic minds.
