swtep audiovisual edition “Son Of” 2024

 

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Fadi Elchamaa, a painter based in Beirut, and Amer Chamaa, a musician based in Berlin, aren father and son. As a Sleeping With The Enemy Production, this combo was present for 10 consecutive days at Lynn Modallal Gallery, a shared creative space, doing what they did best, in public. The aim was to create, debate, agree to disagree, and more. Each invited his “friends” (some flying from abroad) to co-create. It was music, painting, and bridging the generational gap.

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Participating Artists:
Jakub Szczesny (Polish visual artist, Berlin), Malek Rizkallah (musician), David Triana (Colombian musician), Lea Skayem (visual artist), Semaan Khawam (visual artist),Al Buraqi (tattoo artist), Sam Ghazal (comedian), Joelle Jabbour (singer and visual artist), Shadi Abi Chacra (musician), Andrew Hraiz (director), Nour Choukeir (visual artist), Annelise Franjou (designer), and many more all gathered for 10 days to create for an artistic conversation between disciplines, producing masks and music. Every day, a different genre of music, from oriental to electronic, was created, inspired by the people who came, and new characters and personas were recorded live. More than 200 masks were created, we received around 100 pers who were part of the experience.

 

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Opening Exhibition:
The final event on July 30th will showcase a selection of masks and include the album launch of the best music produced during the 10 days. A photobooth will be available where visual artist Lea Skayem will photograph attendees wearing masks of their choice. The album launch will take place, featuring the best music recorded over the past 10 days.Limited edition tapes with original covers and a special selection of masks will be available for acquisition. All proceeds will be divided equally among the artists.

Artistic Statement:
In a small art gallery in the heart of Beirut, an unusual duo is weaving a new narrative for Lebanon. A father, with a paintbrush laden with memories, crafts intricate masks. Beside him, his son coaxes melodies from strings and keys, bridging years with harmonies. This isn't just a family project; it's a bold attempt to mend the fabric of a nation. Emotional expression between fathers and sons is another nuanced aspect. Traditional norms may discourage vulnerability, making it challenging for both to share their fears, disappointments, and aspirations openly. Breaking through these barriers can lead to a deeper, more authentic connection. Friends from both generations join in, adding their own colors and rhythms to this tapestry of reconciliation. "We're not just creating art," says the father. "We're creating understanding." His son adds, "Every note, every brushstroke is a conversation between past and future." This father-son team is showing that the most powerful dialogues sometimes happen without words. 

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About Sleeping With The Enemy Production (swtep):
Founded in 2019, Sleeping With The Enemy Productions is an artistic collective known for dynamic, multidisciplinary live art workshops. These events cater to the artistic elite, budding prodigies, insiders, outsiders, and everyone in between. The collective's goal is to foster artistic resistance in times where artists can sustain themselves through art. Prices are unified among all artists, and proceeds are divided equally. Five productions have been held since inception in Beirut (2019), including Sleeping With The Enemy, Raw, Mamnou3 ElTahzib, Taba3od, and Ya Ayouha.

The productions typically are split into two phases. During the first phase, the participating artists immerse themselves in a temporary shared space to create works on paper, all the while opening up their artistic processes to the public. Once that is over, the works that were created in that space are exhibited for the length of a week. All proceeds will be divided equally among the artists.

 

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Gallerist Statement:
As a gallerist, my space focuses on audiovisual experiences where innovative ideas are born and shared. The swtep artistic collective is always pioneering in their editions, and I was fortunate enough to co-curate two of them: Mamnou3 el Tehzib and Taba3od in 2020. This experience broadened my perspective on the art world and its possibilities, demonstrating that art can be accessible.

The relationship between fathers and sons in Lebanon, a generation affected by war, is a topic I've researched since 2017. While traditionally rare, the depiction of vulnerable father-son relationships is becoming more prevalent as societal attitudes towards masculinity and emotional expression evolve. This change is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and emotional depth of these relationships. Through art and media, we can continue to break down stereotypes and encourage a more nuanced portrayal of father-son dynamics. The father-son theme is a recurrent theme in art.

As art evolved, so did the portrayal of father-son relationships. Modern and contemporary artists have delved deeper into the personal and psychological aspects of this bond. They explore themes of identity, legacy, conflict, and reconciliation. The generational differences and the transmission of cultural and personal values often serve as central motifs.

In visual art, the father-son dynamic can be expressed through portraits, abstract representations, and narrative scenes. Artists like Pablo Picasso and Egon Schiele have captured the essence of familial relationships, including the tensions and affections between fathers and sons. The use of color, form, and composition allows artists to convey the subtleties of this relationship, from moments of intimacy to instances of conflict.

In literature and film, the father-son relationship is a prominent theme that allows for deep character development and storytelling. Works such as "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller and films like "The Godfather" explore the complexities of this bond, delving into expectations, disappointments, and the quest for approval. These narratives often highlight the struggle for identity and the impact of paternal influence on a son's life choices.

swtep's approach of a public, healing experience involving a father and son, communicating through art over 10 days, is incredibly relevant and exciting to host and curate. The masks as a tribute to Saul Steinberg's concept of Paper Bag Masks couldn’t be more relevant at this moment inviting the father and son to drop their old masks and communicate genuinely.

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Instagram:
@lynnmodallalgallery and @swtepofficial

For More Information Contact:
lynnmodallalgallery@gmail.com

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