An Article by J. A. (568 words, 3 min. read)
Marking a new beginning in Beirut’s art scene, Dr. Tony Karam launches a series of promising exhibitions with Lara Khlat’s first solo show, Pareidolia. Running from January 23 to February 23 at The Smallville Hotel, this exhibition highlights the work of Khlat, an architect and self-taught Lebanese artist. Holding a master’s degree from ALBA, Khlat also teaches architecture, bringing her multidisciplinary expertise and unique perspective to her art.
What is Pareidolia?
This exhibition explores the intriguing phenomenon of pareidolia, the mind’s ability to perceive familiar patterns, faces, or figures in random or ambiguous stimuli.
Whether it’s spotting a face in the clouds or shapes in shadows, pareidolia reveals the brain’s innate tendency to impose meaning on chaos. Through a series of acrylic paintings on canvas, Lara Khlat captures surreal moments, inviting viewers to uncover hidden shapes and stories within her abstract compositions.
“Each piece offers a unique opportunity to challenge the boundaries between imagination and reality, encouraging personal interpretation and introspection,” Lara explains. Her works celebrate humanity’s ability to assign significance to the seemingly arbitrary, transforming chaos into meaning. By engaging with her art, viewers are encouraged to connect with their unconscious minds and explore the interplay between perception, creativity, and self-discovery.
Pareidolia, as a psychological phenomenon, is deeply rooted in human evolution. Early humans likely developed it as a survival mechanism, allowing them to quickly recognize predators, threats, or allies in their surroundings. Neuroscientists have since identified the brain’s fusiform face area as being particularly sensitive to detecting faces, even in abstract forms. Beyond biology, pareidolia has profoundly influenced art, from surrealism to abstract expressionism, showcasing our innate desire to find meaning and narrative in the unknown.
A Poetic Journey
Khlat’s exhibition is not only a visual experience but also a poetic journey, where emotions and life experiences are expressed through deep and vibrant colors. Her works transcend layers of texture and feeling, mirroring the human mind’s exploration of its connections to the universe.
In some paintings, landscapes or seascapes are ingeniously suggested, while silhouettes of people seem to float in an ethereal atmosphere. Cosmic impressions evoke visions of planets, stars, and stardust, inviting viewers to embark on an introspective voyage.
An Exhibition to Experience
In a serene white monochrome piece, subtle tones and abstract arrangements evoke a misty landscape, floral fields, or atmospheric fog. Fragments of natural elements seem to emerge from the neutral chaos, inviting interpretation.
Another painting contrasts vibrant turquoise hues with deeper tones of black and green, creating a sense of depth and mystery. Delicate streaks and clustered shapes resemble an underwater or botanical world, perhaps coral formations or a surreal forest floor. The organic shapes invite viewers to discover hidden creatures or patterns within.
A striking piece dominated by deep blues, speckled with white, pink, and violet, captivates visitors with its contrasts. White forms resemble glowing figures or light sources in a nocturnal setting. The textured surface radiates energy and movement, evoking a cosmic atmosphere. These abstract forms seem to suggest distant figures, spirits, or celestial elements illuminated against a starlit backdrop.
Beautifully displayed in the elegant setting of The Smallville Hotel, each of Lara Khlat’s paintings invites viewers to experience pareidolia, uncovering personal meanings and stories hidden within the abstract. Her work gracefully balances texture, color, and abstraction, creating spaces where imagination can wander freely.
