Prints & Printmaking, Dalloul Art Foundation
The Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF) Presents:
Prints & Printmaking
Curated by Wafa Roz
The Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF) in Beirut proudly presents “Prints & Printmaking,” an exhibition that celebrates the artistry of Arab printmakers. This unique showcase features a remarkable selection of fine art prints from the DAF collection, many of which are rarely seen by the public.
With over 310 handmade prints on paper, the exhibition highlights the work of 36 prominent Arab artists from the Middle East and North Africa. Notable contributors include Farid Belkahia, Chaïbia Talal, Dia Al Azzawi, Rafa Nasiri, Suad al-Attar, Marwan Kassab-Bachi, Walid Abu Shakra, Kamal Boullata, Mustafa El Hallaj, Huguette Caland, Shafic Abboud, Halim Jurdak, Samira Badran, Mohammad El Rawas, Ayman Baalbaki, Said Baalbaki, and Yvette Achkar, among others who have significantly influenced the evolution of this medium.
Through “Prints & Printmaking,” DAF aims to deepen visitors’ appreciation of the artistry behind printmaking while raising awareness of its importance in expressing diverse themes and narratives. This exhibition is not only a display of artwork but also an educational opportunity to explore the history and techniques of printmaking. The selected works illustrate a variety of printmaking techniques, including intaglio, relief, planography (lithography), and silkscreen, each offering a distinct perspective and artistic voice.
In addition to a wide range of prints from DAF’s extensive collection, the exhibition features archival materials, unique artists’ books, and a rare copy of the first known book printed in the eastern part of the Ottoman Empire: The Book of Psalms, printed in 1610 at the Monastery of Saint Anthony of Qozhaya in Lebanon. This significant book has been loaned from la Bibliothèque Orientale de l’Université Saint-Joseph (USJ) in Beirut.
The history of printmaking reflects humanity’s enduring quest for creative and technological advancement. From its ancient origins in Mesopotamia with stamp and cylinder seal printing to the innovative techniques of the 20th century, printmaking has continually evolved, shaping the spread of images and texts across cultures.
The 20th century saw a surge of nationalism, state-building, and political upheaval, making printmaking a vital medium for artistic experimentation, social commentary, and cultural revival. Arab artists and printmakers played a crucial role in revitalizing printmaking as a distinct art form.
In addition to the prints, the exhibition will include four filmed interviews produced by DAF with esteemed modern and contemporary Arab artists-printmakers, featuring insights from Mohammad El Rawas, Zeina Badran, Samira Badran, and Said Baalbaki.
