Zalfa Halabi Art Gallery presents Yasmina Hilal’s latest exhibition, “I See Me in You,” making its debut in Lebanon. This body of work was previously showcased at the MENART FAIR in Brussels earlier this year, and now viewers in Lebanon will have the opportunity to experience the unseen pieces. Curated to take audiences on a journey through Hilal’s artistic process, the collection pays homage to empowering women in society.
In her work, Hilal deviates from conventional fashion photography, embracing imperfection and celebrating the human form. She takes shots and skillfully dissects them, manipulating and reconstructing the images like a carefully assembled puzzle. This meticulous cutting process breathes new life into the photographs and defies the boundaries of traditional fashion photography.
Hilal’s artistic journey is deeply connected to her grandmother’s home, which served as a treasure trove of inspiration, filled with antique gems and trinkets that fascinated her. Resin sculptures in the collection were moulded from intricately engraved silver frames found in her grandmother’s house, featuring images of family members.
Moreover, her mother’s blue velvet wedding dress became another vital source of inspiration. During the pandemic, Yasmina quarantined in her grandmother’s home, where she discovered the dress. It evoked a sense of belonging she had never felt before. The objects in her grandmother’s house carried profound memories that evolved with time, sparking the creation of this project.
In the original Brussels exhibition, Hilal photographed young women wearing clothing items from their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, posing in their homes. She extended the project into the digital realm by collaborating with artists and creatives to create a video and holographic work. Additionally, a life-size mirror installation adorned with custom jewellery featuring the Arabic title of the exhibition symbolises the intergenerational ideals of beauty and femininity, breaking down and redefining beliefs from generations past to accommodate a more modern perspective of femininity.
About Yasmina Hilal
Yasmina Hilal, a Lebanese Fashion/Mixed Media Photographer and Experimental Filmmaker, passionately delves into the art of collage using various mediums and unconventional objects. Her work reflects a captivating fusion of elements, aiming to ignite curiosity in viewers. With a focus on crafting a unique world of imagery, Yasmina aspires to establish her artistic prowess both on the global stage and within her homeland. Through her creative endeavours, she seeks to inspire a sense of wonder and fascination, inviting audiences to explore the realms of imagination.
Location: Zalfa Halabi Art Gallery, Saeb Salam, Beirut
Date: From the 27th of July by appointment