Fransabank announced the inauguration of the 12th edition of JABAL, Jeunes Artistes des Beaux-Arts du Liban, an annual exhibition organized by the Bank, aiming at encouraging art in Lebanon and discovering new talents. JABAL was held this year under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Mr. Raymond Araygi, Minister of Culture, and H.E. Mr. Adnan Kassar, Chairman of Fransabank Group. A large number of guests attended the private viewing; including social figures, businessmen, art collectors, art gallery owners, as well as the organizing committee of JABAL, the artists, and the media.
JABAL, dedicated to the young artists of Fine Arts in Lebanon, makes a turning point in 2016 focusing on the “Arts Ludiques”, and displaying the works of strip cartoons, illustration, and animated films of contemporary art.
In his speech, H.E. Mr. Raymond Araygi expressed his appreciation to “Fransabank’s continuous effort and contribution in supporting cultural and artistic development in Lebanon, enabling the youth to express themselves through their work and talents,” stating that “youth's involvement in nation building embodies the hope of tomorrow.”
In his turn, H.E. Mr. Adnan Kassar declared, “Arts and culture can play a major role in community development. We have always believed that our duty in Fransabank is to contribute to Lebanon’s cultural and artistic growth which reflects and enriches community expressions of identity and creativity.” Kassar added, “Fransabank’s strategic mission in JABAL is to offer new horizons to emerging artists from all the Lebanese regions and pave their paths towards maximizing their potentials. »
Prior to the inauguration, a press conference was held to present the highlights of JABAL 2016, followed by a round table under the theme “The World is Told through Images». In this vein, Mrs. Dania Kassar, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication Department at Fransabank stated: “The “Arts Ludiques” represents today a bridge between the public and contemporary art. Through a mixture of figurative movement and narrative current evoking the dream viewers will discover the dazzling artistic dimension behind these works. This art, also called «9th Art», is already part of public institutions. Consequently, exhibitions are devoted thereto in the major museums around the world.”
The speakers at the round table included: Marine Bougaran, JABAL curator, Laure d’Hauteville, artistic advisor, Michèle Standjofski, Lebanese illustrator and comic artist, Pascal Odille, Expert at the Chamber of Specialized Experts, and Serge Darpeix, artistic and technical director of the Rencontres du 9e Art d’Aix-en-Provence – France.
According to Darpeix, who was invited for the first time to Lebanon by Fransabank to initiate and put in place the participation of Lebanese artists in the next edition of the Festival in France, “Strip cartoons has become today one of the richest means of expression, and the most innovative. It crosses all generations and has the ability to address all issues.” In this context, Darpeix highlighted the impressive role played by Fransabank “in supporting arts and creativity through JABAL annual exhibitions in general, and tackling the 9th art this year in particular; which is already revealing maturity and modernity.”
JABAL presents for the first time a selection of 21 Lebanese artists: Zeina Abirached, Jorj Abou Mhaya, Chadi Aoun, Joan Baz, Tracy Chawan, Rosane Chawi, Ely Dagher, Ghadi Ghosn, Carla Habib, Hatem Imam, Joseph Kaï, Mazen Kerbaj, Karen Keyrouz, Omar Khouri, Raphaelle Macaron, Isabelle Manoukian, Lena Merhej, Barrack Rima, Collectif Samandal, Jad Sarout, and Patrick Sfeir.
This new generation of artists, whose creations revolve around illustrated novels or intimate animation, talk to us about their experiences, memories, and their daily life in Lebanon. A multitude of techniques, going from digital to monotype drawing, from the classical work with ink to the simple drawing on carbon paper or with lead pencil were used; a diversity which enriched these creations.
The exhibition will continue on Thursday May 5th, Friday May 6th, and Saturday May 7th, from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.