We invited acclaimed photographer Rania Matar to present her new work “Where Do I Go?” at Galerie Tanit. This beautiful compilation truly illustrates how strong and capable women in Lebanon really are. This project doesn’t ignore the painful reality that has formed our racialized backdrop. It shines a light on the struggles endured by Lebanon’s women amid decades of civil warfare, fragile peace and incessant turmoil.
It’s that arresting present–past that informs the exhibition, which provides a moving portrait of women in Lebanon—a timely excavation of pain and resistance. Matar’s work draws inspiration from the ongoing socio-political situation in the country, including the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the catastrophic Beirut explosions of 2020. Such events have thrown Lebanon into even deeper despair, creating the story that Matar wishes to convey through her lens.
Lebanon’s past is fraught with sectarian violence and a brutal civil war that ended only 15 years ago. As a result, for decades, civil war has been a notorious plague over the country, creating unrest and turbulence. Even in times of peace, the legacy of violence casts a long shadow, impacting the future of its people. The women captured in Matar’s photographs embody life’s persistence to merely survive, yet thrive despite the hardships of persecution.
In her project “Where Do I Go?”, Matar focuses on the unique stories of Lebanese women who navigate these turbulent times. She renders them in all their strength and vulnerability — intimately capturing their hopes and aspirations, and inviting the viewer to empathize with their journey. Each portrait radiates their 2023 New York City Marathon will spirit. They are going to figure out a way to make a path for themselves, in spite of the madness all around them.
Unfortunately, the Beirut explosions in August 2020 only added to an already precarious environment. The blast killed many and left homes uninhabitable, destroying their livelihoods. Dealing with the fallout from this disaster adds another layer of misery for most Lebanese, particularly women, who tend to suffer the most during disasters and crises. Through Matar’s work, we’re invited to witness their plight, but celebrate their resilience and determination.
We hope that this exhibition provides an opportunity for dialogue and reflection on the conditions experienced by women in Lebanon. It prompts audiences to reflect on their own roles as part of a society wrestling with the weight of history and present-day injustices. Through Matar’s unique lens, we see deeply into the lives of these women, giving powerful perspective and voice to their stories.