Amid the ongoing bombardment of Lebanon by Israel, Joumana Asseily made the difficult decision to temporarily close the doors of her Beirut gallery, Marfa’ Projects. Established in 2015, the gallery was founded as a platform for regional art in the city’s Port District. However, the devastating explosion of thousands of tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate in 2020 had already caused significant damage to Marfa’ Projects and other galleries in the area. Asseily had previously expressed her determination to renovate and rebuild the space following the tragedy.
Last week, as Israel intensified its airstrikes on the suburbs south of Beirut, Asseily decided to close the gallery as a precautionary measure. The escalating violence and evacuation orders prompted her to prioritize the safety of her staff and visitors. “We were happy, we had people coming to see our show, et cetera, and then suddenly we saw all those [evacuation] messages,” Asseily shared in a phone interview with Hyperallergic. “We had to close and run away basically.” Following the temporary closure, Asseily reopened the gallery and left Beirut for Paris on a pre-planned work trip.
Although Asseily’s home and gallery are located outside the directly affected areas, the uncertainty and chaos caused by the conflict impacted the entire city. The Israeli military’s evacuation orders led to massive traffic jams as residents hurriedly fled their neighborhoods. Despite the challenging circumstances, Sfeir-Semler Gallery in downtown Beirut managed to remain open during this period.
At Marfa’ Projects, an exhibition of works by Lebanese filmmaker Rania Stephan titled “Isn’t It About Time” is currently on display. The show delves into theories of the end of the world in science fiction, offering a poignant reflection of the surreal reality faced by the Lebanese people. Asseily noted the relevance of Stephan’s exhibition to the current situation, describing it as an exploration of their collective story and the pressing questions of the present moment.
Despite the upheaval and uncertainty, Asseily expressed her unwavering commitment to continuing her gallery in Lebanon. Working closely with artists from the region, she emphasized the importance of amplifying their voices and showcasing their work. “There’s so much to say. There’s so much to show and so much to do. And you don’t, just don’t wanna stop. You can’t stop,” Asseily affirmed, highlighting the resilience and determination of the artistic community in Lebanon amidst adversity.
