MENASArt Fair 2011

Summer in Beirut has always promised a very hectic social and cultural schedule. Between beach parties, lively concerts by international performers, and extravagant dance events, locals and tourists find themselves often at a loss for where to go first. One of the highlights of July of this year was the MENASart Fair 2011 which took place at BIEL between the 13th and the 16th. The art exhibition featured galleries and artists from the MENASA, along with a very wide-spread social agenda.

The fair was the combined efforts of a group of art savvy people, led by Ms. Laure D’hauteville. Never one to shy away from expressing her love and admiration for the art standards in our region, D’Hauteville was very hands-on at the fair, constantly insuring the exhibitors felt appreciated and right at home. It should’ve come to no surprise to her that the fair received such high acclaim, as she and her team, among which we can count Artistic Director Mr. Pascal Odille and Technical Manager Ms. Agnes Miquel, did an outstanding job of bringing the fair to life.

The exposition was a very comprehensive affair. Not only did it feature some genuinely original art displays and painting from renowned galleries such as Agial Art Gallery (Beirut), Dar Al Funoon (Kuwait), and Hunar Gallery (Dubai), among others, but also a number of unusual installations by several artists, including Anita Toutikian and Mario Saba. The fair also included two to three seminars and round-tables on a daily basis, allowing attending members to reflect on some of the issues art faces and creates in the region. Two major book signings were hosted, by Sabhan Adam and Suzanne Van Hagen.

Kids also had their fair share of fun at the MENASART Fair 2011. “La Petite Academie” dedicated a special corner where they helped artistically-inclined children work on their very own miniature pieces. On the last day of the fair, awards were handed out to the most talented of the kids, celebrating those potential future artists. A book signing by “Lebanon’s got talent” author Nadine Mokbel was also held at the stand.

While the fair was very active everyday, the events were not mutually exclusive to the confines of Biel. VIP guests benefited from two highly successful parties, one held at the Bar ThreeSixty and the other at Art Lounge. A VIP Gala Dinner was organized, joining together art investors, collectors, and gallery owners. A private tour of the Paul Guiragossian Museum took place as well, along with a public auction at Ayyam Gallery, followed by a “Summer Cocktail Party”.

There was also a great emphasis on the importance and finesse of art, which led to a very luxurious atmosphere. Italian car makers Ferrari were on hand displaying two of their car models, champagne and wine were served and sold by Enologia, and Suisse Haute Horlogerie manufacturers “Girard-Perregaux” maintained a stand where people were able to witness first-hand the making of a watch. Art Lounge also celebrated the fair by creating a mini-lounge, complete with comfortable couches, chairs, tables, and a bar, where VIP guests were invited to have a drink and relax for a while. Further highlighting the cultural aspect of the fair, Art lounge offered people a chance to check out a big number of art volumes from local and international publishing houses in their book corner.

This same exclusivity resulted in a more negative aspect in the fair’s approach to dealing with the public. While VIP passes paved the way for easier access to all events, the fair was nearly inaccessible to people who did not hold such passes. With a long form to fill at the entrance, people were finding it somewhat unconventional to go through so much trouble to be able to wander through the exhibition. The fair also needed a hipper, more modern side. Some art pieces, namely junk installations, made from such mundane elements as electric and barbwires, metal pieces, and tissue fabrics, supplied a much needed breath of fresh air, avoiding artistic clichés and accentuating on the importance of originality and self-expression. Their ingenuity led them to stand out among the more traditional pieces of art. Art Lounge, Beirut.com, and Ferrari also provided a slightly more refreshing feel, but overall, the fair lacked a much needed younger presence.

All in all, the 4-day event was a highly successful affair for artists and art-lovers alike. And while we hope that next year’s event will welcome a more modern, younger crowd, and embrace a more original and creative approach to art, we for one cannot wait for it.

Special Formula:Opening Hours:
Wednesday 13 July : 3 – 9pm
Thursday 14 July: 3 – 9pm
Friday 15 July: Noon – 6pm
Saturday 16 July: Noon – 6pm