AGENDA

"Throughout history and into our present day, women's pain—particularly linked with childbirth and other physical ailments—has often remained hidden in obscurity. An inadequate understanding of their suffering has left pain management neglected, a silent plea echoing through time.

In resonance with women's struggles and resilience, Galerie Janine Rubeiz invites you to the opening of “Sagas of Painful Bodies,” the first solo exhibition by Manar Ali Hassan, on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2024, from 5 pm to 8 pm, in the presence of the artist.

“Sagas of Painful Bodies” is a narrative-based exhibition that invites exploration of the intimate, personal, and social aspects of being a woman living with a painful body. It focuses on the experiences of seven Lebanese women, including the artist herself, all coping with the chronic condition of Fibromyalgia. In this project, Manar Ali Hassan uses art to delve into the narratives of chronic illness and physical gestures, revealing disrupted experiences, meanings, and implications.

Through a painterly form, the artist also addresses broader existential questions, forging poetic connections between identity, personal encounters, and societal stigmas. Inspired by her partners in pain, the artist aims to fully embrace and interpret their stories, spoken and unspoken, translating them into impactful artistic creations. These creations serve as a tribute to the resilience and strength of individuals living with chronic pain, a testament to their unwavering spirit amidst life's challenges.”

About the artist

Manar Ali Hassan is an emerging multidisciplinary artist and curator, born in Beirut in 1980. She holds a master’s degree in Visual Art from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), which she earned in 2019. Manar Ali Hassan’s artistic journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of self-expression and profound curiosity about the human experience. Her thought-provoking work often explores the realms of identity, culture, and society, challenging viewers to reflect on their own perspectives and emotions while conveying intricate narratives and addressing profound themes."