Lebanese Artist Jessy Tabet Showcases Homeland Through Acrylic Paintings
Over 60 vibrant paintings at Rebirth Beirut capture the emotional landscape of Lebanon.
1Artistic Vision of Lebanon
Lebanese artist Jessy Tabet presents her latest exhibition titled Lebanon in Every Shade at Rebirth Beirut. The collection features more than 60 acrylic paintings that transport viewers into a dreamlike world. Tabet focuses on recurring elements like clustered houses, clear skies, and brilliant sunshine to depict the country's unique geographical beauty.
2From Lens to Canvas
Tabet travels across Lebanon, from north to south, to photograph landscapes that capture her attention. She does not merely copy these images but interprets them through her own artistic vision in the studio. This process allows her to highlight specific details of a country she has always loved and never left.
3Defining National Symbols
The exhibition explores Lebanon's defining symbols, including its enduring cedars, blue sea, and towering mountains. Tabet has devoted specific paintings to these themes, organizing them into series such as The Cedar and Little Shadows of Lebanon. These works bring together scenes from various regions to create a cohesive visual narrative of history.
4Individual Landscape Studies
Specific paintings capture particular moments, such as Batroun and the Orange Sunset and Coastal Reflections, which explores the Lebanese coastline. The mountains are also featured prominently in works like Mountain Harmony, where houses and hills are depicted together. Each painting serves as a distinct piece of Lebanon, reflecting the artist's personal connection.
5The Power of Color
Tabet uses color to invite viewers into a world of imagination, often choosing pink as a dominant background shade. She believes these vibrant colors reflect the beautiful Lebanon she sees through her own eyes. Visitors are encouraged to contemplate the works, entering a state of meditation and relaxation away from daily worries.
6Architecture as Soul
Houses and Lebanese architecture feature prominently in Tabet's work because she views homes as the soul of a person. She emphasizes details like arched balconies, red-tiled roofs, and open windows to revive cherished heritage. These structures represent an anchor in the homeland, embracing emotions, family life, and a sense of togetherness.
7The Cedar Series
In her Cedars series, Tabet depicts the national symbol with meticulous detail, crowned with rich green foliage and touched with gold and white. The sturdy roots appear to clasp two enormous hands, while branches extend outward. This transformation turns the tree into a visual narrative of history, seemingly immune to any withering.
8Life in Motion
In the painting La Vie en Rose, a cluster of closely packed houses welcomes visitors through open doors. A closer look reveals residents going about their daily activities or enjoying moments of relaxation. Through these scenes, Tabet preserves a sense of constant movement, giving her paintings a feeling of life and serenity.
9Coastal Stillness and Clarity
Lebanon's sea, stretching along the coastline, has profoundly influenced Tabet due to the stillness and clarity it inspires. She paints the waters shimmering in the light, reflecting a way of life where warmth, tranquility, and harmony come together. This coastal perspective remains a central pillar of her artistic exploration of the land.
10Remedy for Longing
Tabet considers each painting a piece of Lebanon that can be taken home. She believes her art acts as a remedy that eases the longing for home among those living abroad. For those who remain, the works serve to soothe the wounds of war and destruction, offering a vision of peace.
11Supporting Humanitarian Initiatives
Part of the proceeds from the painting sales will support Rebirth Beirut's humanitarian and development initiatives. These efforts aim to revitalize the capital and rehabilitate its infrastructure, including essential street lighting and traffic signals. The exhibition thus bridges the gap between artistic expression and the practical needs of the local community.
12The Artist's Conclusion
Reflecting on her process, Tabet describes engaging in long conversations with her brush. When silence replaces words, she knows the painting is finished. Through every piece, she dreams of a more beautiful world where imagination expands and colors are freed from the boundaries of reality, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.