Dalloul Art Foundation’s “Prints & Printmaking” exhibition showcases 310 works by 34 Arab artists, celebrating the rich history of printmaking in the region.
The Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF) in Beirut is set to present a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the artistry of Arab printmakers.
Titled “Prints & Printmaking”, this unique showcase will run from 5 September to 5 December 2024, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the rich world of fine art prints on paper from the foundation’s extensive collection.
Arab Printmaking
The exhibition will feature over 310 handmade prints created by 34 renowned Arab artists from across the Middle East and North Africa.
This carefully curated selection spans decades of artistic innovation and experimentation, highlighting the evolution of printmaking techniques and styles in the region.
Among the notable artists whose works will be on display are:
- Farid Belkahia (Morocco)
- Chaïbia Talal (Morocco)
- Dia Al Azzawi (Iraq)
- Rafa Nasiri (Iraq)
- Suad al-Attar (Iraq)
- Marwan Kassab-Bachi (Syria)
- Walid Abu Shakra (Palestine)
- Kamal Boullata (Palestine)
- Mustafa El Hallaj (Palestine)
- Huguette Caland (Lebanon)
- Shafic Abboud (Lebanon)
- Halim Jurdak (Lebanon)
- Samira Badran (Palestine)
- Mohammad El Rawas (Lebanon)
- Ayman Baalbaki (Lebanon)
- Said Baalbaki (Lebanon)
- Yvette Achkar (Lebanon)
This diverse roster of artists represents a cross-section of the Arab world’s most influential printmakers, each contributing their unique perspective and technical mastery to the medium.
Exploring Printmaking Techniques
The “Prints & Printmaking” exhibition aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the various printmaking techniques employed by Arab artists.
The showcased works demonstrate a wide array of methods, including:
- Intaglio: This technique involves incising designs onto a surface, typically a metal plate. The incised lines hold the ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. Variations of intaglio printing include etching, aquatint, and drypoint.
- Relief: In this method, the artist carves away areas from a flat surface, leaving the design in relief. When inked, only the raised portions transfer the image to paper. Woodcuts and linocuts are common examples of relief printing.
- Lithography: This planographic technique is based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. The artist draws on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, which is then treated to accept ink only in the drawn areas.
- Silkscreen: Also known as serigraphy, this stencil-based technique involves pushing ink through a fine mesh screen onto paper or fabric. Areas of the screen are blocked off with a stencil to control where ink is deposited.
By showcasing these diverse techniques, the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate the skill and craftsmanship involved in printmaking, as well as the artistic possibilities inherent in each method.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
The history of printmaking in the Arab world is deeply intertwined with the region’s cultural and political developments. The exhibition contextualises the featured works within this rich historical tapestry, highlighting how printmaking has served as both an artistic medium and a tool for social commentary and cultural revival.
Wafa Roz, Director of the Dalloul Art Foundation, emphasises the importance of this exhibition: “With ‘Prints & Printmaking’ we want to bring much-needed attention to the rich and intricate world of printmaking in the Arab world,a medium that has often been eclipsed by the rapid rise of digital technologies. This art form, with its deep roots and diverse techniques, deserves to be celebrated and more deeply understood.”
The 20th century, in particular, saw a resurgence of printmaking in the Arab world. As nations grappled with independence movements, state-building, and significant political upheavals, artists turned to printmaking as a means of artistic experimentation and social commentary.
The accessibility and replicability of prints made them an ideal medium for disseminating ideas and imagery across cultures and borders.
Rare and Significant Works
Among the highlights of the exhibition is a selection of prints from Dia Al Azzawi’s “The Will of Life” series, created in 1994. These silkscreen prints on paper showcase Al Azzawi’s distinctive style, blending traditional Arab motifs with modernist abstraction.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to view rarely-seen works by Rafa Nasiri, including untitled etchings from 1981 that demonstrate his mastery of aquatint and viscosity techniques. These prints reflect Nasiri’s deep engagement with Arabic calligraphy and abstract expressionism.
The exhibition features several striking works by Palestinian artist Kamal Boullata, including “Nun wa l Qalam” and “Ya Subhan Al-Khaliq (Glory to the Creator)”, both created in 1983. These silkscreen prints exemplify Boullata’s exploration of geometric abstraction and Islamic aesthetics.
Beyond Prints: A Comprehensive Look at Arab Art
While the focus of the exhibition is on prints, the Dalloul Art Foundation has taken care to provide a broader context for these works. The showcase will include:
- Archival material: Documents and ephemera related to the featured artists and the development of printmaking in the Arab world.
- Unique artists’ books: These one-of-a-kind creations blur the line between visual art and literature, offering visitors a glimpse into the experimental nature of many Arab artists’ practices.
- Historical printing artefact: A highlight of the exhibition is an authentic copy of “The Book of Psalms”, printed in 1610 at the monastery of Saint Anthony of Qozhaya in Lebanon. This remarkable volume holds the distinction of being the first book ever printed in the Eastern part of the Ottoman Empire. On loan from la Bibliothèque Orientale de l’Université Saint-Joseph (USJ) in Beirut, this rare book provides a tangible link to the region’s rich printing history.
Educational Initiatives and Public Engagement
Recognising the importance of public engagement and education, the Dalloul Art Foundation has planned a series of initiatives to complement the exhibition:
- Filmed interviews: The foundation has produced and conducted interviews with four esteemed modern and contemporary Arab artists-printmakers: Mohammad Rawas, Samira Badran, Said Baalbaki, and Zeina Badran. These insightful conversations will be screened as part of the exhibition, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the artists’ processes and motivations.
- Printmaking workshops: Lebanese printmaker Ahmad Ghaddar, also known as Renoz, will lead a series of hands-on workshops at the Dalloul Art Foundation space. These sessions will provide art enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to explore printmaking techniques firsthand, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft.
- Educational materials: The exhibition will be accompanied by comprehensive informational materials, including detailed captions and explanatory texts, to help visitors navigate the complex world of printmaking techniques and artistic styles.
The Dalloul Art Foundation: A Beacon for Arab Art
The “Prints & Printmaking” exhibition is a testament to the Dalloul Art Foundation’s commitment to preserving and showcasing modern and contemporary Arab art. Established in 2016 by Dr Basel Dalloul, the foundation builds upon the legacy of his parents, Dr Ramzi Dalloul and Saeda al-Husseini, who began collecting Arab art in the early 1970s.
Today, the Dalloul Art Foundation collection comprises nearly 3,000 pieces, offering a comprehensive survey of visual arts from across the Arab region. The foundation’s mission extends beyond mere preservation; through public programmes, exhibitions, online publications, and research initiatives, DAF aims to introduce modern and contemporary Arab art to local, regional, and international audiences.
A Glimpse into the Future of Arab Art
While the “Prints & Printmaking” exhibition celebrates the rich history of Arab printmaking, it also points towards the future of the medium. Many contemporary Arab artists continue to explore and push the boundaries of printmaking, incorporating new technologies and materials into their practice.
As digital technologies increasingly dominate the visual landscape, exhibitions like this serve as a crucial reminder of the enduring power and relevance of traditional printmaking techniques.
By showcasing these works, the Dalloul Art Foundation not only honours the legacy of Arab printmakers but also inspires a new generation of artists to engage with this versatile and expressive medium.
Visitor Information
The “Prints & Printmaking” exhibition will be on view from 5 September to 5 December 2024 at the Dalloul Art Foundation, located on Floor 9, Block A, White Tower, Koraytem, Beirut, Lebanon.
For more information about the exhibition, associated events, and visiting hours, interested parties are encouraged to visit the foundation’s website at dafbeirut.org or contact the foundation directly at (+961) 1 791 229.
As the art world eagerly anticipates this landmark exhibition, “Prints & Printmaking” promises to be a must-see event for anyone interested in Arab art, printmaking techniques, or the intersection of tradition and innovation in contemporary artistic practice.
By shining a spotlight on this often-overlooked medium, the Dalloul Art Foundation continues its vital work of preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world.
