An Article by A.M. (743 words, 4 min. read)
On February 13, 2025, Multaqa Beirut, located on the ground floor of the iconic Assafir Newspaper building in Hamra, opened its doors to Transient Maps, a solo exhibition by renowned Lebanese artist Wissam Melhem.
Curated by Dr. Tony Karam, the show offers a powerful narrative on human resilience, cultural identity, and the fleeting nature of life during the recent war in South Lebanon.
Running until February 23, the exhibition captures the emotional and physical journey of Beirut’s residents as they live the challenges of war and displacement.
Many attendees have already praised it as one of the best exhibitions in Beirut this season.
Sketching a Story of War
During the 2024 war, Wissam Melhem created daily sketches based on events reported by various media outlets, documenting everything from chaotic evacuations to moments of resilience.
Dr. Tony Karam saw the potential in these raw sketches and envisioned transforming them into a comprehensive artistic experience. His creative direction and vision shaped Transient Maps into a cohesive exhibition that reflects the complexity of war and the human spirit’s capacity for endurance and hope.
The paintings in Transient Maps serve as visual diaries, each illustrating the realities of conflict through Melhem’s signature themes (The Human, the City, the Crown, the Bird, and the Cloud). While these elements remain central to his work, they have now evolved into something much deeper and more refined, reflecting a new level of artistic maturity.
Once known for his black monochrome tones, Melhem now embraces vivid shades of blue, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the vast, open sky that endures, even in the face of destruction. This evolution showcases his ability to retain his artistic identity while pushing his creativity to new heights.
A Journey of Chaos, Humor, and Humanity
One of the exhibition’s most striking elements is how Melhem portrays the sound of drones hovering over the city, using repetitive patterns and spirals to evoke their unsettling presence. In other works, refugee camps are represented by spiraling human figures, emphasizing the dehumanizing experience of being reduced to numbers. Overloaded cars navigating massive traffic jams in a desperate attempt to find refuge in safer cities are also depicted in striking, evocative ways. Yet even in these moments of despair, Melhem’s art is infused with humor and subtle optimism. For example, scenes depicting humanitarian aid drops are painted as surreal blessings falling from the sky.
Melhem also captures airport evacuations and passport exchanges, reflecting the hopes and frustrations of many Lebanese longing for stability or refuge abroad. Despite the chaotic and violent scenes portrayed through TV and media screens, Melhem’s brushstrokes reveal a celebration of resilience and survival, with dynamic movement and vibrant hues underscoring the strength of the human spirit.
A Cultural Hub for Art and Reflection
Multaqa Beirut has become a vibrant cultural hub, filled with the hum of conversation as journalists, artists, and visitors gathered over cups of specialty hot chocolate or refined wine, at the opening night. This warm and welcoming atmosphere mirrors the exhibition’s themes of community and hope. The titles of the paintings – which are, interestingly, borrowed directly from actual news headlines – lend immediacy and authenticity, while the artist’s statement and biography are printed on finely crafted newspapers, reinforcing the connection between media and art. This is what sets this exhibition apart as a complete, almost immersive, experience.
An Exhibition for the Ages
The opening night drew an enthusiastic crowd of art lovers, critics, collectors, and journalists. Many attendees described Transient Maps as Wissam Melhem’s most accomplished exhibition yet, a highlight not only of the season, but also of Lebanon’s contemporary art scene. Several paintings were sold within minutes during the vernissage, further testament to the exhibition’s emotional and artistic impact.
Through Dr. Tony Karam’s visionary curation and Wissam Melhem’s evocative storytelling, in collaboration with Multaqa Beirut and Assafir Newspaper, Transient Maps elevates Lebanon’s art scene to new heights. The exhibition is not merely a reflection of war: it is a testament to the unyielding hope that arises from crisis.
For those in Beirut, Transient Maps at Multaqa Beirut is a must-visit. It stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of creativity and community in a city that refuses to be broken.
