Dalloul Art Foundation Presents Arab World Printmaking Exhibition
From September 5 to December 5, 2024, the Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF) in Beirut will host "Prints & Printmaking," a distinctive exhibition celebrating the artistry of Arab printmakers. This exhibition will showcase over 310 fine art prints on paper from DAF’s collection, many of which have rarely been displayed publicly. The collection highlights the work of 34 esteemed Arab artists from the Middle East and North Africa, including Farid Belkahia, Chaïbia Talal, Dia Al Azzawi, Rafa Nasiri, and Huguette Caland, among others who have significantly influenced the evolution of printmaking in the region.
"Prints & Printmaking" is designed not just as an art display but as an educational experience, offering visitors insight into the history, techniques, and cultural significance of printmaking. The exhibition will feature a variety of printmaking methods such as intaglio, relief, lithography, and silkscreen, each demonstrating a unique artistic expression. Complementing the prints, the exhibition will also present archival materials, rare artists' books, and an authentic copy of the first book printed in the Eastern Ottoman Empire, The Book of Psalms, on loan from the Bibliothèque Orientale de l’Université Saint-Joseph in Beirut.
The history of printmaking, from its ancient Mesopotamian origins to its innovative developments in the 20th century, is a testament to humanity's creative and technological advancements. In the 20th century, as nationalism and political change swept across the Arab world, printmaking became a powerful tool for artistic experimentation and social commentary. Arab artists embraced the medium, elevating it as both a vehicle for cultural revival and an autonomous art form.
In addition to the artworks, the exhibition will include four filmed interviews with prominent Arab printmakers, including Mohammad Rawas and Samira Badran. To further engage visitors, DAF will also offer a series of printmaking workshops led by Lebanese printmaker Ahmad Ghaddar, providing a hands-on exploration of this traditional art form. Details will be available on DAF's website and social channels.
