"Transient Maps" is a solo exhibition that highlights the fleeting yet hopeful journey of life in Beirut during the recent war. Through a collection of evocative daily sketches created during the conflict, the exhibition captures the emotional and physical struggles of the city's residents, depicting scenes from urgent evacuation alerts to the uplifting moments of displaced individuals returning home after the ceasefire.

Each artwork serves as a map, illustrating the chaos of war, while the scenes reflect the harsh realities ranging from displacement and uncertainty to devastated cities. Despite the scenes of war, the paintings convey a sense of positivity and hope.
As viewers move through the exhibition, they witness the strength of individuals adapting to their new circumstances and the gradual rebuilding of their lives. Ultimately, "Transient Maps" invites us to reflect on the impermanence of life in a conflict zone while celebrating the enduring hope and resilience of those who navigate through it.

Ouisam (Wissam Melhem) is a Lebanese painter and sculptor whose work explores themes of the Human, the City, the Crown, the Bird, and the Cloud. His art has been exhibited globally, including at the Peoria Riverfront Museum in the USA, where one of his works became part of the permanent collection. Recent exhibitions span Dubai, Lebanon, Spain, Japan, and the USA, featuring solo and collective shows that blend fantasy with reality.

Born in 1974, Ouisam holds degrees in Architecture and Landscape Urbanism. He worked as a senior architect with Nadim Karam and Hapsitus Architects and taught at AUB, ALBA, and the Lebanese University. Viewing art as a fusion of imagination and possibility, he continues to explore contemporary themes through sketching and painting.

Pour en savoir plus, voir aussi Dans l’atelier de… Wissam Melhem