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.

Leila Jabre Jureidini, painter, lives in Beirut.

How are you doing?

The question is complex and evokes a mix of emotions, as issues swirl in my mind. There's a constant shift between despair and hope, with uncertainty about what the future holds.

Despair to witness events repeating themselves endlessly, people having to constantly rebuild their lives, leaving everything behind. Trying to figure out how and what I could do to help.

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

In these challenging times, my daily routine has become a blend of various activities, heavily influenced by the constant stream of television and news updates, which I typically tune into both in the morning and evening. During wartime, the concept of routine feels almost alien. Each morning begins with a review of the overnight news to stay informed about the latest developments. I consider myself fortunate to reside in a relatively safe area—at least for now—and I adjust my plans for the day accordingly.

Every day brings the uncertainty of whether I can reach my studio, located just across from the port, especially after having endured the aftermath of the August 4th explosion that destroyed my previous workspace. At home, I find myself engaged in various activities, always in front of the TV and not far from the fridge. There’s a lingering sense of guilt for being safe and having a roof over my head, which prompts me to reach out to friends and acquaintances who may be in danger, offering them a place to stay.

As I work on my projects—many of which I had set aside—I can’t help but feel that they pale in comparison to the current crisis. Tomorrow, I plan to sift through my cupboards to prepare packages for various NGOs that are tirelessly working to support those who have been displaced. Beyond that, I can’t make any concrete plans; I’ll take it one hour at a time, as the notion of planning a full day has shifted dramatically in these wartime circumstances.

How do you continue your artistic activity? 

Yes, but only in parts. From past experiences, like COVID, I’ve learned to organize my work in a way that allows me to do some of it from home if I can’t make it to the studio. Whether my day is productive or if I’m completely immobilized by the ongoing war depends entirely on my mood.

How do you see Lebanon's future?

As an optimist, I believe that challenging times like these can offer a valuable opportunity to reflect on our past and shape a shared future. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Lebanon can endure this significant chapter in its history. We’re all anxiously waiting, trying to brace ourselves—hoping for a better future, yet fearing what the war’s outcome may bring, and questioning whether we’ll be able to remain in the homeland we deeply love and cherish.

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

Books : Harari’s Homo Deus, Jacques Prevert, Identites meurtrieres d’Amine Maalouf, Paradis Perdus d’Eric Emannuel Schmitt

Series: Kleo, Breaking Bad, Better call Saul, Ozark

Films : Koyanisqatsi « life out balance » a film by Godfrey Reggio, music by Philipp Glass, Forest Gump, The Truman show, that are timeless. 

Music: Mezzo (in general), Philipp Glass, Pink Floyd, the Doors, Massive Attack, meditative music

Any last words?

Good Luck to all, we will pull through!