“Ya Beirut”

$288.00

“My Beirut, My Lebanon”, I am amazed at your strength, power, and resilience. Rising from the ashes and devastation, you touch the heart of the universe. From wars, pollution, corruption, destruction, global pandemic, economic and refugee crisis, the list goes on. You have proven your stand despite all these. But how much more can your people bear? How much more can your spirit take?

On October 17, 2019, the world witnessed a revolution, the perfect blend of peaceful protests, a cry so silent it was heard loudly by millions. An inspiration starting from its roots to its branches with a goal in mind – CHANGE. A demand for the basic human rights against oppressive leaders.  Leaders who wilted down a country instead of flourishing it. 

Following a long year of economic crisis and riots, we are met yet again by another one – the August 4, 2020, Beirut explosion. Is there anything else, the Lebanese haven’t faced? The saying, “Enough is enough!”, brings no justice to what my beloved country is facing up to this day. 

This is what inspired me to create, “My Beirut, My Lebanon”. Deeply touched by our spirit, the people have proven that they are unbreakable. My work consists of two abstract paintings, 50 x 70 cm, complimenting each other.  “Beirut” represents the Lebanese people as they continue to fight in hopes of a better future. Using mixed media with a focus on acrylics and other tools to bring her to life, I allowed my creativity to flow freely with just my love for her in heart. As you can see in the paintings, she is silenced in the first one and covering her ears with her eyes closed in the second. My own take on, “See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.” The same way our own people are subjected and forced to live in this sad reality. The sad reality of turning a blind eye, silencing noises, and voicing their cries to all evils that surrounds them. 

But despite all, “My Beirut, my beloved Lebanon”, you continue to stand up for what you believe in, not for yourself but for your future children. You will always be the epitome of inspiration, a rare gem amongst the rocks. You inspire not only me as a Lebanese citizen, but rather the whole world. 

Category: Visual Arts Tag: Artist: Amira Al Zein

Additional information

Title

Ya Beirut

Artist

Amira Al Zein

Year of Production

2021

Dimensions

50x70cm

Framing

Framed

Medium

mixed media on stretched canvas