Attention art enthusiasts, culture lovers and contemporary art collectors: this coming December, VC ART founded by Vanessa H Clark is delighted to present ‘Beirut: Love. Hate.’ – a solo art show for a talented Lebanese artist Nayla Kai Saroufim. Vanessa Clark is bringing Beirut to London through a unique show that is an exploration of the work of up-and coming Lebanese artist Nayla Kai Saroufim. “Beirut. Love. Hate.” Will take place at London Graffik gallery from December 2nd – 7 th.
With the rise of middle eastern art and recent exciting events in Lebanon, this show will not only attract Lebanese ex-pats but many eager to discover this unique world. It embodies feelings about Beirut and yet it’s a journey of experimentation with different materials, an expression of cultural identity and a tribute to a dynamic city. The exhibition will showcase approximately 20 pieces including paintings on canvas, wood, plexi portraying the artists’ individual experiences. This show is a snapshot of present day Beirut through Nayla Kai Saroufim’s eyes. Many diverse elements come together to create a vision of a city loved and hated at the same time. In fact each piece reflects the intricate love/hate relationship the Lebanese have with Beirut. This manifests itself in many ways such as the use of hard nails to create beautiful calligraphy and other striking contradictions that co-exist. Typographical statements about the changing identity of Beirut. The juxtaposition of old buildings and new high rises and their combined impact on the skyline. Depictions of instability are contrasted with positive images of joyous life and hope. Colorful chaos. Cityscapes real and imagined. The result is that each piece is a statement colored by opposition and seemingly conflicting emotions…very much like contemporary Beirut. Educated at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux Arts, Nayla’s art is a rich mix of different media. It’s a fresh approach that combines digital flair and computer graphics with lush layers of paint, ink, airbrush, watercolors, glow in the dark paint, nails and led lights. And this show takes things to the next level since the raw materials used are all from the streets of Beirut: cement, nails and bullets. This results in an array of shifting visual tales that are shaped by Beirut moods, experiences, shifting urban identity and sparks of personal inspiration. Her fascination with the artistic tradition, contemporary popular culture and the essence of being a citizen in a changing world are evident in her work.
Exhibition details: December 2nd – 7 th, 2015 | 11am-6pm Preview opening: December 2nd, 2015 | 6pm – 9pm Gallery location: Graffik gallery | 284 Portobello Road, London w10 5te
www.naylasaroufim.com