Where are our cultural players in times of war, and what are they doing?

L'Agenda Culturel went to meet them, interview them and listen to their stories.

Charbel Lahoud, Gallerist, lives in Beirut

How are you doing?

We are doing great in our beautiful chaotic country, it is sad so sad to survive; every day we wake up with high hopes after nightmares and rare hours of sleep.

What is your daily life like in a time of war?

What should I begin with; chaos at all levels, driving to work and seeing displaced people gathered for food at donation centers and hanging their laundry on the windows of public schools or just sitting peacefully smoking shisha on the sidewalks. Daily life is as we say Hamdella, we are alive, breathing and eating and sometimes sleeping a bit while waiting for a Peaceful Lebanon. I was born at war, lived at war and still living the war in Lebanon after 40 years.

How do you continue your artistic activity? 

It is a journey, filled with emotions, anger, stress and vibes at all levels, we try our best to always showcase the beautiful artworks that reflects images of our amazing beautiful country. We refuse to show artworks reflecting anger and war and destruction; it is phase and it shall pass.

How do you see Lebanon's future?

Lebanon, oh dear Lebanon, what an amazing country, the food, the vibes, the people, the weather and the air we breathe are what makes this country alive and breathing in times of war and peace.

The land is ours, the air is ours and the food is ours, the future will always be fruitful and we will always have a future in LEBANON.

To overcome the fear and anxiety, what do you suggest to our readers?

Books: Le Petit Prince one more time.

Series : Lord of the ring, White lotus , Three Body Problem 

Music : Pink Martini

Podcasts : Ted Talks