To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Galerie Janine Rubeiz initiated Encounters 2023, a theme-based competition conceptualized and curated by Manar Ali Hassan. The competition was launched through a juried open call, with the aim of inviting talents from all walks of life to participate and contribute a personal artistic commentary on a range of proposed themes and showcase their individual skills and creativity.

The competition sought proposals that draw inspiration from remarkable creations of pioneering and prominent Lebanese artists, fostering an artistic cross-historical dialogue between the past and the present.

After careful deliberation, jury members Sandra Dagher, Juliana Khalaf Salhab, Tarek Nahas, Hanibal Srouji, and Nadine Begdache, chose the proposals of 25 exceptional participants out of the 115 applications submitted.

Aya Abu Hawash, Aya Nadera Zantout, Chris Assoury, Diana Bou Salman, Gilbert Loutfi, Hala Tawil, Joanna Raad, Lama Sfeir, Loulou Bissat, Malak El Sahli, Mario El Khouri, Marwa El Rifai, Marwa Ylhamane, Mohammad Abou Chair, Monya Riachi, Nohad ElHajj, Noura Bakkar, Philippe Caland, Rami Chahine, Reine Chehayeb, Samia Soubra, Sarah Francis, Ségolène Ragu, Yara El Turk, and Ziad Jreige, represent a diverse range of artistic styles, techniques, and visions.

This diverse array of participants exemplifies the vitality and energy of the contemporary art scene in Lebanon, both within the country and beyond its borders. We cordially invite you to join us as we collectively celebrate and promote the rich artistic expressions that emanate from this dynamic community.

The Encounters 2023 collective exhibition will open on June 7, from 5 to 8pm, and will be on show until July 14, 2023.