Collaborations

The collaboration between artists Elie Rizkallah and Marwan Chamaa began in 2021 in Beirut, Lebanon.

 

Their inaugural painting, "EDL" by the artist-duo Marwan & Elie, also known as ‘ME’, depicted the EDL (Electricité du Liban) building, symbolizing the inefficiencies of the Lebanese state.

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Following this, their second piece, "BDL" portrayed the BDL (Banque du Liban) building, representing Lebanon's financial crisis.

Despite the geographical separation that saw one artist relocate to Paris and the other to Washington, D.C., logistical challenges prolonged the completion time of their latest painting, titled "نوڤمبر" (November), to around 11 months. Nevertheless, their dedication to their collaboration project and love for their homeland remains steadfast. 

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The third painting "نوڤمبر" (November) by the artist-duo ‘ME’ captures a glimpse of downtown Beirut, featuring the iconic “The Egg,” also known as the Dome building, at the painting’s focal point. Construction on this building began in the mid-sixties and remains incomplete to this day, serving as a poignant symbol of Lebanese history, resilient yet unfinished, supported by scaffolding and in desperate need of renovation, much like the nation itself, still under construction. The title, "نوڤمبر" (November), evokes the looming storms on the horizon, mirroring Lebanon's challenges and aspirations as an ongoing, unfinished masterpiece.