A 100 Years for World War I (1914-2014) An Exhibition of Paul Sleiman’s Paintings at BAU
27 November 2014One Hundred Years since the outbreak of the First World War, the psychological and the social impact, and its implications on human relationships as well as nature, are all themes represented in the exhibition of Paul Sleiman’s paintings. The exhibition that was hosted by Beirut Arab University under the title “A 100 Years for the World War I (1914-2014)” in Beirut , took place on the 13th of November 2014, and was attended by Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of the University, BAU directors and students, as well as a crowd of interested people.
The exhibition consisted of 30 paintings that reflected the impact of war on humans and nature, personified through colors the meanings of martyrdom, issues of vagrancy and migration, as well as signs of determination and steadfastness in homelands, despite the scars and hardships of war. There were also paintings that simulated memories depicted through places that were inspired by the faraway shores of peace. These all were reflected in the paintings that carried dark colors expressive of the paradoxes we experience in reality. The scenery depicted attempts to break through the dust and noise of war to bring across a subtle hopefulness for a more beautiful future reality.
After the Lebanese and BAU anthems were played, Ms. Rima Chehab opened the event with a welcoming note. She highlighted the harshness of translating war into art. Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi praised the works of Sleiman, noting the steady imprint left by the artist in painting, the theatre and TV. In his turn, Prof. Dr. Essam Osman, Vice-President for Medical Sciences, pointed out the necessity of students attending such exhibitions to broaden their artistic and creative horizons.
In his word, Paul Sleiman expressed his gratitude to BAU and its administration for hosting the exhibition, his happiness and his willingness to meet with the students and exchange his experiences with them. He also expressed his willingness to teach them the general principles for painting and creativity throughout the exhibition.
The exhibition is open till the 27th of November 2014, and opens daily from 10:00 A.M. till 6:00 P.M at the Cultural Forum “Al Moltaqa” at Beirut Campus.