Galerie Tanit presents ‘Allers/Retours’ an exhibition featuring three artists Noël Fattal, Frédéric Husseini and Rita Husseini, each adding a different take to the finished work. Poetic writing often unfolds in solitude, wrapped in mystery, and poetry can appear inaccessible, even cryptic. Painting shares a similar characteristic. Yet, when poetry and painting converge, a dialogue emerges, giving rise to diverse meanings that resonate and enrich the reading experience.
This exhibition project intertwines unpublished poetic texts by Noël Fattal with free interpretations in acrylic paint and ink by Frédéric Husseini, each presented in identical formats. Rita Husseini contributes a third dimension through her literary and theatrical insights, adding layers of colour to the dialogue.
Each artwork, accompanied by a QR code, allows viewers to listen to the text being read aloud via their smartphones. The format consists of 22 x 42 cm panels featuring original texts and 17 x 17 cm panels showcasing the acrylic paint and ink transcriptions mounted on 5 mm PVC.
Noël Fattal, drawing on his background as a linguist and diplomat, explores the richness of multilingualism and the inherent possibilities of connection and empathy found in language diversity.
Frédéric Husseini, an architect and painter, invites viewers to engage with the art, to wander through the artist’s narrative, fostering a dialogue that is sometimes frivolous and ephemeral, akin to life’s fleeting pleasures, yet at times profound, akin to deep emotional connections.
Rita Husseini, a professor of literature and theatre, adds her paintings to the conversation, enriching the interpretation with the colours of her literary perception.
Together, these artists and their respective disciplines create a space where poetry and painting intersect, inviting viewers to explore, interpret, and immerse themselves in the resonances of language and visual art.
About Noël Fattal
Noël Fattal is a linguist and diplomat with a career dedicated to exploring the nuances of multilingualism and cultural empathy. Born and raised in Lebanon, he has visited various cultural landscapes, acquiring insights into language and communication. Fattal’s passion for poetry complements his professional life, offering a unique blend of artistic and diplomatic expressions. His poetic works, often infused with themes of identity and human connection, reflect his experience in fostering cross-cultural understanding. Currently, he continues to contribute to the literary and diplomatic fields.
About Frédéric Husseini
Frédéric Husseini is an architect and painter renowned for his approach to art and design. Based in Lebanon, Husseini’s work bridges the gap between visual art and architecture, creating immersive experiences that invite viewers to engage deeply with his creations. His artistic journey is marked by a commitment to exploring human emotions and the transient nature of life through vibrant colours and dynamic forms. Husseini’s paintings, characterised by their expressive use of acrylics and mixed media, have been exhibited in various prestigious galleries, establishing him as a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.
About Rita Husseini
Rita Husseini is a professor of literature and theatre, celebrated for her impact on the academic and artistic communities. Based in Lebanon, she is bringing literary texts to life through her teaching and theatrical interpretations. Husseini’s work emphasises the importance of cultural heritage and the power of storytelling, fostering a deeper understanding of human experiences. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom as she collaborates with artists to explore the interplay between the written word and performance. Husseini’s dedication to education and the arts has made her a respected and influential figure in her field.
Location: Galerie Tanit, Beirut
Dates: July 16, 2024 to August 1, 2024