A press conference was held at Hotel Le Gray to launch the 3rd edition of Photomed. Under the high patronage of H.E Michel Pharaon, Minister of Tourism, the Festival is co-organized by the Lebanese Tourism Office in Paris, and in partnership with Byblos Bank.
The press conference was held in the presence of H.E Raymond Araygi, Minister of Culture, Nada Sardouk, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism representing H.E Michel Pharaon, Marcello Mori, Minister Counsellor at the EU Delegation in Lebanon, Manuel Durán, Head of Mission at the Spanish Embassy in Lebanon, Denis Louche, Director of the Institut français du Liban, Edoardo Crisafulli, Cultural Attaché and Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Lebanon, Nada Tawil, Head of Group Communication Department at Byblos Bank, Mounir Douaidy, General Manager of Solidere, Georges Ojeil, General Manager of Le Gray, Philippe Heullant, President of Photomed, Serge Akl, Vice-President of Photomed and the Director of the Lebanese Tourism Office in Paris, Tony El Hage, Treasurer of Photomed, Guillaume de Sardes, Artistic Director, and in the presence of the participating international & Lebanese photographers, as well as partners, sponsors, and the media.
A tribute was paid to photographer Leila Alaoui, who died following the attack in Burkina Faso; where she was on a mission for Amnesty International. Leila Alaoui of Franco-Moroccan origin chose to live in Lebanon to contribute positively to the artistic and cultural dynamism of the country. Her works are exhibited around the world, through which she wanted to show the beauty of the people and to bring them together, in order to perpetuate traditions. A minute of silence was observed.
From January 20 until February 10, 2016, Photomed will feature the work of international & Lebanese photographers who portray the Mediterranean region through their own eyes, and for this third edition, Spain is the guest country.
Minister of Culture, Raymond Araygi stressed on the fact that "The Ministry, through its continuous support to all activities related to the promotion of culture, and to all those who encourage the expression of citizenship through art, will always be a partner of Photomed. He added, "I personally would like to congratulate the Lebanese galleries, honored in this Festival, for playing an important role in promoting photography and in resisting against those hostile to beauty and culture."
Philippe Heullant, President of Photomed, stated: "I hope that the festival contributes in conveying a positive message within the Mediterranean region. Intercultural dialogue, through photography, can certainly reinforce common values against intolerance."
Serge Akl, Vice-President of Photomed and Director of the Lebanese Tourism Office in Paris stressed on "the importance of organizing this festival to strengthen the link between Lebanon and countries around the Mediterranean region, as well as to build a bridge for cultural exchange. He added: "The Festival has also made its mark and built its identity through the years. The enthusiasm of partners on one hand and that of photographers on another hand grows progressively, which helps to reflect a positive image of Lebanon in both culture and art." In addition, he added, "our tribute to the work of the Lebanese galleries this year will contribute to increase the public's interest in photography."
Nada Tawil, Head of Group Communication Department at Byblos Bank said: "Byblos Bank is honoured to host the first exhibition of French humanist photographer Edouard Boubat in Lebanon." She added: "Boubat's work has been exhibited around the world, as he is considered one of the most influential artistic photographers of his time. We are proud to give Lebanese photography amateurs and professionals the opportunity to get a first-hand look on his photographs at Byblos Bank Headquarters, in the hope that it will inspire them and help them develop their own skills."
The press conference was followed by the opening of the exhibition "Bogota" by Elsie Haddad at Hotel Le Gray.
Photomed 2016 Cultural Program
At Hotel Le Gray, Lebanese photographer, Elsie Haddad invites visitors to discover « Bogota ». In fact, the mythical Hotel Bogota in Berlin was about to be transformed into an office building, when Elsie decided to photograph it.
At Beirut Exhibition Center (BEC), Photomed Liban highlights on the following well-acclaimed photographers: Toni Catany « Shadow Chronicles », Alvaro Sanchez-Montanes « Unprepared and unsorted », Luis Vioque « An Imaginary Journey », Alessandro Puccinelli « I Have Crossed the Seven Seas », Angelo Antolino « Women of the Camorra », Antoine D'Agata « Home Town », and the Collection of the famous Spanish actor Gabino Diego « Women and Children First».
The objective of Photomed is to promote Mediterranean photography and highlight Lebanese photography. For the 3rd edition, Lebanese galleries are being honored since they have long carried out significant and constant efforts to raise awareness and to promote the photography. The following Lebanese galleries were invited to present Lebanese photographers: Galerie Tanit with Gilbert Hage and Lamia Maria Abillama, Galerie Janine Rubeiz with Lara Tabet and Myriam Boulos, Galerie Art Factum with Caroline Tabet and Tanya Traboulsi, Galerie Agial with Waddah Faris and Hady Sy, Galerie Alice Mogabgab with Tony Hage.
At the Byblos Bank Headquarters, a tribute is paid to the great French photographer Edouard Boubat through the exhibition «Mediterraneo».
At the Institut francais du Liban, Emma Grosbois presents «Those who are watching us », and Arno Brignon « Free doors to Spain: Gibraltar ».
At STATION, the Lebanese photographer Randa Mirza takes us on a journey to «Beirutopia». The 2015 winner of the Photomed Liban prize, Karim Sakr presents «Beirut Street Photography», through which he wishes to create a memory and to document an art d'être in the world.
Video art will be also featured during the Festival under the title «Mediterranean Expressions. From poetry to commitment» who will present the works of Mediterranean artists, such as Ange Leccia (Orage), Béatrice Pediconi (Untitled), Louidgi Beltrame (Brasilia/Chandigarh), and Danielle Arbid (This smell of sex).
Portfolio Reviews
During the 3rd edition, portfolio reviews are open to photography lovers. It will take place on Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23, 2016, from 10h00 to 12h30 at Byblos Bank Headquarters.
Candidates, who wish to have their portfolios evaluated by a panel of experts and benefit from their advice, should visit the website www.photomedliban.com in order to submit the required information and book an appointment.
The panel of experts consists of: Philippe Heullant, President of Photomed, Philippe Sérénon, Director of the photo agency « Vu » and co-founder of Photomed, Guillaume de Sardes, Artistic Director of Photomed, and Teixido Braulio, gallery owner.
The European Union prize will be awarded to the winner of the best portfolio who will be also entitled to the publication of a book and an exhibition at Hotel Le Gray.
Photography Workshops
Photography workshops are organized with Canon:
- «Portrait» by Pierre Anthony Allard, Monday January 25, from 10:00 am till 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm till 5:00 pm, at ALBA
- «Urban Memory» by Caroline Tabet, Monday February 1, from 2:00 pm till 4:00 pm, at STATION
- «Architecture of the city» by Serge Najjar, Saturday February 6, from 2:00 pm till 5:00 pm, at ALBA
All the exhibitions are open to the public from Wednesday January 20 until February 10, 2016. Opening days and hours are available on www.photomedliban.com
Organizing Committee of Photomed: Philippe Heullant, President, Serge Akl, Vice President, Tony Hage, Treasurer, and Guillaume de Sardes, Artistic Director.
Partners & Sponsors
Co-organizer: Lebanese Tourism Office in Paris
Main Partner: Byblos Bank
Main Sponsors: Le Gray Beirut, Solidere, LIA insurance sal
Partner Public Institutions: Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Municipality of Beirut, Delegation of the European Union in Lebanon, Institut français du Liban, Embassy of Italy in Lebanon, Italian Cultural Institute in Lebanon, Embassy of Spain in Lebanon, Instituto Cervantes
Sponsors: Wild Discovery, Middle East Airlines, Station, Beirut Exhibition Center, Canon, Turkish Airlines
#PhotomedLiban2016
