‘Prints & Printmaking’ at the Dalloul Art Foundation

DIA AL AZZAWI, Iraq,The Will of Life, 1994 (part of a book of 6 prints) Silkscreen on paper. Courtesy of the artists and the Dalloul Art Foundation
DIA AL AZZAWI, Iraq, The Will of Life, 1994 (part of a book of 6 prints) Silkscreen on paper. Courtesy of the artists and the Dalloul Art Foundation

The Dalloul Art Foundation in Beirut presents ‘Prints & Printmaking,’ an exhibition dedicated to the art of Arab printmakers, from September 5 to December 5, 2024. The show will feature over 310 fine art handmade prints on paper from the DAF collection, including rarely seen works by 36 prominent Arab artists such as Farid Belkahia, Dia Al Azzawi, Kamal Boullata, and Huguette Caland. This exhibition aims to deepen visitors’ understanding of the artistry behind printmaking and highlight its significance in exploring diverse themes and narratives.

MARWAN KASSAB-BACHI, Syria99 Heads (Ibn Arabi), 1997/1998 Etching and Sugar lift and Chine collé or Chinese paste paper. Courtesy of the artists and the Dalloul Art Foundation
MARWAN KASSAB-BACHI, Syria, 99 Heads (Ibn Arabi), 1997/1998, Etching and Sugar lift and Chine collé or Chinese paste paper. Courtesy of the artists and the Dalloul Art Foundation

‘Prints & Printmaking‘ will not only display a wide range of prints but also serve as an educational experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history and techniques of printmaking, from intaglio and relief to lithography and silkscreen. The exhibition will also feature archival materials, unique artist books, and a rare copy of ‘The Book of Psalms,’ the first book printed in the Eastern Ottoman Empire in 1610, on loan from the Bibliothèque Orientale de l’Université Saint-Joseph in Beirut.

Printmaking’s history is a testament to humanity’s creative and technological evolution, with roots tracing back to Mesopotamia and significant developments throughout the 20th century. During this period, the medium became a vital tool for artistic experimentation, social commentary, and cultural revival, particularly in the Arab world.

AYMAN BAALBAKI, Lebanon Alphabet de Beyrouth, 2011 Lithograph. Courtesy of the artists and the Dalloul Art Foundation
AYMAN BAALBAKI, Lebanon Alphabet de Beyrouth, 2011 Lithograph. Courtesy of the artists and the DAF

Wafa Roz, DAF’s Director, emphasises the importance of celebrating printmaking in the Arab world, a medium often overshadowed by digital technology. The exhibition also includes filmed interviews with notable Arab printmakers like Mohammad Rawas, Said Baalbaki, Zeina Badran and Samira Badran. Additionally, DAF will offer printmaking workshops led by Lebanese printmaker Ahmad Ghaddar, providing attendees with a hands-on experience to engage with this intricate art form. Further details will be available on DAF’s website and social channels.

RAFA NASIRI, Iraq,Untitled, 1981 Etching, Aquatint, and Viscosity technique. Courtesy of the artists and the Dalloul Art Foundation
RAFA NASIRI, Iraq, Untitled, 1981, Etching, Aquatint, and Viscosity technique. Courtesy of the artists and the DAF

About the Dalloul Art Foundation

The Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF), established in Lebanon in 2016 by Dr. Basel Dalloul, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing modern and contemporary Arab art. Originating from the passion of Dr. Ramzi Dalloul and Saeda al-Husseini, who began collecting art in the 1970s, the foundation now holds nearly 3,000 pieces. They viewed artists as “keepers of truth and archivists of history.” DAF engages local, regional, and international audiences through exhibitions, public programs, and research. The foundation’s resources are accessible online at dafbeirut.org, supporting academic studies and broader public engagement.

Location: The Dalloul Art Foundation, Floor 9, Block A, White Tower, Koraytem, Beirut, Lebanon

Dates: 5 September – 5 December 2024

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