Bechara Maalouf's 'What Still Holds' is a captivating exhibition that delves into the designer's relationship with Lebanon, a country that holds both fond memories and a sense of disconnection for him. Maalouf, who grew up in the US but has a family home in Kfertay, Lebanon, has crafted a series of lamps and other pieces that reflect his complex emotions towards his ancestral home. The show, displayed at a slim gallery during NYC design week, is a testament to Maalouf's artistic exploration of his identity and the impact of his homeland on his work.
One of the most striking aspects of Maalouf's work is his use of laser-cut metal and recycled wood. The three lamps in the exhibition are each wrapped in a different lattice pattern, inspired by the bright red wrought iron gates of his family home in Kfertay. The use of wood from buildings around the Lower East Side adds a layer of local history and context to the pieces, making them more than just decorative objects.
Maalouf's attention to detail is evident in the small, magnetic flies that accompany the lamps. These flies can be placed in various positions around the pieces and can also be used to pin a small item, like a flower. This interactive element adds a playful touch to the exhibition, inviting viewers to engage with the pieces in a more personal way.
The designer's use of laser-cut metal is also noteworthy. For this show, Maalouf reconnected with wood from his earlier days working in a cabinet shop, and he also used a magnetic stainless steel alloy for the first time. This allowed him to work with steel and add a cute level of interaction to the pieces, as he can bend the legs and place them in different spots.
The triptych, which contains similar hand-bent borders surrounding planes of wood, is a standout piece in the exhibition. Inside, pixel-like motifs represent a church in Kfertay, a spiral seen on a pita press, and a cypress tree. Each tiny square is filled with a fragment of a 5,000 Lebanese lira note, both for its beauty and as a representative of an economic crash the country recently experienced.
Maalouf's work is a powerful statement on the impact of war and political instability on a country's culture and economy. His use of local materials and his attention to detail make the pieces more than just decorative objects; they are a reflection of his personal experiences and emotions.
In my opinion, Maalouf's 'What Still Holds' is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in contemporary design and the impact of personal identity on artistic expression. The show is a testament to the power of art to transcend borders and connect people across cultures and generations. It is a reminder that, despite the challenges and complexities of the world, there is always beauty and hope to be found.
