In Between
2016-2020
In Between offers a glimpse into the dual reality that Lebanon grapples with. On one side, there exists the idyllic "postcard" image that has been romanticized and yearned for. However, behind the scenes lies the harsh reality that the Lebanese people face day in and day out—a reality that we often choose to conceal or forget, despite its pervasive presence. Lebanon, a land of breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage, remains ensnared in a relentless struggle for stability and peace.
Having endured years of violence, Lebanon remains entrenched in a challenging context. My generation, as well as the current one, bear witness to a history marred by violence, conflict, and external interference. The weight of collective memory hangs heavy in the air, interweaving with the present and shaping the uncertain future. Since my time here, I have witnessed fires, a revolution, border disputes, an explosion, a pandemic, and an economic collapse. I have seen people gradually lose everything they had. In 2022, access to drinking water, electricity, fuel, and sufficient food remains elusive, contributing to a widespread sense of despair.
This series comprises images captured over several years in Lebanon. It encompasses the ruins left behind by the war in 2006, The Revolution of October 2019, a fervent call for change and reform, the explosion in August 2020, leaving behind a trail of devastation, serves as a haunting metaphor for the fragility of existence and the urgent need for healing, as well as glimpses of refugee camps, streets, and even some tourist destinations.
The ruins that dot the landscape tell stories of lives shattered, communities uprooted, and dreams left unfulfilled. They serve as solemn reminders of the relentless cycle of destruction and rebuilding, a perpetual dance between hope and despair. City streets coexist with refugee camps, and bustling touristic spots stand juxtaposed against the scars of conflict.
In this series, the viewer is invited to confront the uncomfortable truths and confrontations of Lebanon's past and present. In Between stands as a powerful reminder that beyond the postcard-perfect facade lies people yearning for a future where the gap between dreams and reality need to be bridged.
