An Article by C. N. (509 words, 3 min. read)
On a luminous afternoon of May 31, the Dar Saab cultural space opened its doors and garden gates to welcome nearly two hundred guests for an unforgettable celebration of art, culture, and human spirit. The occasion marked the opening of a major solo exhibition by the renowned Lebanese painter, archeologist and art historian Dr. Mahmoud Amhaz, an artist whose profound impact on the local and regional art scene spans decades, and whose intellectual presence continues to inspire at the age of 91.
From Ancestral House to Cultural Beacon
The exhibition, beautifully curated by Dr. Tony Karam, was the inaugural show at the newly transformed gallery space within Dar Saab. The Saab brothers, passionate supporters of Lebanese culture, re-invented what was an olive press and later a publishing house to a gallery within their ancestral home, an old Lebanese house with a soul of its own. This act of renewal, like Amhaz’s own artistic journey, was about honoring the past while opening new pathways for creative expression.
An Afternoon Bathed in Music and Grace
Before entering the gallery, guests gathered in the enchanting garden, where the delicate notes of live piano music floated through the air, mingling with the laughter and quiet conversations of art lovers, academics, friends, artists and admirers. Wine flowed, delicious bites were shared, and the atmosphere shimmered with a rare combination of serenity and anticipation. There was a sense that something extraordinary was about to unfold.
A Journey Through Visual Poetry
When the time came to explore the exhibition, guests moved inside with reverence. Dr. Amhaz’s paintings, layered with calligraphic abstraction, luminous color, and profound philosophical inquiry, filled the gallery with emotion. His work, rooted in both Eastern spiritual traditions and Western artistic exploration, invited reflection and wonder. As viewers paused before each canvas, there was a palpable silence; a collective moment of recognition for a lifetime devoted to beauty, thought, and experimentation.
Words of Wisdom from a Master
What followed was perhaps the most touching moment of the day: a Q&A with the artist in the garden, surrounded by olive trees and evening light. At 91, Mahmoud Amhaz spoke not only with clarity and intelligence, but with joy, humility, and unshakable presence. His answers were poetic, infused with decades of experience and insight. He spoke of color, memory, the space between figuration and abstraction, the power of signs, and the enduring role of the artist in society. Those listening were visibly moved as they witnessed a living legend speak with such heart.
The Beginning of a New Cultural Chapter
It was more than an art opening. It was a communion between generations, a tribute to a master, and a bold new chapter for Dar Saab. We left not only impressed by the work on the walls, but transformed by the energy of the afternoon. It is our hope that this is only the beginning; that Dar Saab will continue to host events of this caliber, where art is not just exhibited but celebrated with soul.
