An article by A. V. (603 words, 3 min. read)
JAH Art Gallery Opens with Grace, Legacy, and Emotion: A Cultural Beacon is Born
On a 1st of May evening steeped in elegance and nostalgia, Beirut welcomed a new cultural sanctuary—JAH Art Gallery. Tucked in the heart of Clemenceau, the city’s historic neighborhood, the gallery opened its doors not just as a space for art, but as a home for stories, a sanctuary of spirit, and a place where the soul of the region finds voice through image, sculpture, and silence. The opening night was no ordinary vernissage—it was a celebration of memory, identity, and future promise.
A Collector’s Journey into Light
Founded by Dr. Ayman Badreddine, a name known in circles of finance, fashion, and the art world, JAH Art Gallery is not simply the realization of a dream—it is the culmination of a life dedicated to beauty. Over 25 years, Dr. Badreddine built a refined collection, weaving together masterpieces from across the MENA region and beyond, creating a dialogue between eras, styles, and personal truths. This night marked more than the launch of a gallery. It was the generous unveiling of a part of himself—his private collection shared with the world.
An Opening in Harmony
The gallery’s wide, luminous space breathed with warmth and style, alive with the tones of a harpist playing live, her music wrapping around the artwork like a gentle wind. The city responded with love. From collectors to curators, critics to artists, Beirut gathered in celebration. Conversations danced across the walls just as the colors did, echoing with admiration, curiosity, and pride.
A Symphony of Masters
The exhibition itself was a breathtaking constellation. From the sharp abstraction of Saliba Doueihi to the bold presence of a rare, large-scale canvas by Fateh el Moudaress, each piece stood as a testament to the region’s creative soul. Youssef Abdelke’s silent still lifes in charcoal whispered of mortality, while Farouk Kundakji’s crimson monochrome pulsed with power.
There was magic in the poetic brush of Sara Shamaa, the dreamlike narratives of Sinan Hussein Ali, and the hypnotic geometry of Mohammad Abdallah. Zena Assi’s intricate cityscapes stood alongside the deep colorful abstractions of Chafic Abboud, each work breathing with life. Aref el Rayess brought modern form, while Karine Hochar’s bronze sculptures added tactile gravity.
Lina Husseini’s painted PVC works shimmered with innovation, and the bronze of Alaa Bou Chahine, resin of Alaa Ibrahim, marble of Lotfi Romhein, and vibrant metal of Safaa El Set formed a sculptural chorus—each material carrying its own song of resistance, transformation, and memory.
SAMA: The Gallery’s Soul
And within the gallery lies SAMA JAH—a sanctuary within a sanctuary. A sacred, curated space where museum-caliber artworks are given space to breathe, to speak, and to endure. Here, the gallery’s true philosophy is made visible: that art is not decoration, but devotion. That legacy is not past, but presence. That to display is not to show, but to honor.
A Night to Remember, a Future to Watch
As the night wore on and the city lights outside dimmed, the glow inside JAH remained; more than physical, more than decorative. It was the light of legacy, intention, and shared beauty. And in the center of it all stood Dr. Ayman Badreddine, gracious and graceful, receiving his guests not just as a host, but as a bridge between artists and admirers, past and present, silence and sound.
JAH Art Gallery did not merely open: it unveiled. And in doing so, it gave Beirut something precious: a place to remember, to reflect, and above all, to feel.
