Since September 1st, the works from the second edition of “Draw Me a Cedar” have been showcased at the Résidence des Pins. Organized by Green Cedar Lebanon, the exhibition—accessible only via an online catalog due to COVID-19 restrictions—holds hidden gems that are worth discovering.
Because this majestic tree is the emblem of our national dignity, because it symbolizes Lebanon’s resilience against all misfortunes (whether from the port or elsewhere…), the cedar has always been a source of inspiration. It resonates artistically, philanthropically, and in solidarity, as well as ecologically and environmentally. All these aspects converge in the event “Draw Me a Cedar”, initiated by Green Cedar Lebanon. This association, dedicated to reforesting Lebanon’s forests, invited Lebanese artists, designers, and creatives to reinterpret this millennia-old tree through their art. The sale of their works raises funds to restore cedar forests in various regions of Lebanon.
The first edition of “Draw Me a Cedar” took place in March 2019 at Waterfront Zaitounay Bay in Beirut, featuring paintings, sculptures, and photographs from around sixty artists. The proceeds allowed Green Cedar Lebanon to plant a forest of 1,000 cedars in Kfardebian, named “The Artists’ Forest”. To create another forest, this time near Sannine, the organization planned to launch a second edition in early 2020.
“Since the event coincided with the centenary of the proclamation of the State of Greater Lebanon, we decided to expand the selection—with the help of art patron and insurer Cyril Karaoglan—to a hundred artists and present it, at the initiative of Ambassador Bruno Foucher, in the magnificent setting of the Résidence des Pins,” explains Pascale Choueiri Saad, president and co-founder (alongside Lara Debs and Cathie Tyan) of Green Cedar Lebanon.
“Unfortunately,” she continues, “the various crises since October 2019 prevented us from carrying out the project as planned. We had to postpone it. And above all, the tragedy of the August 4th port explosion shifted our priorities. We decided to delay the creation of the new cedar forest and instead donate 50% of the proceeds to the Lebanese Food Bank to support residents of the affected neighborhoods in Beirut. The remaining 50% was given to the artists, who themselves have suffered greatly over the past year.”
Online Exhibition…
Though the centennial forest could not be realized, the second edition of “Draw Me a Cedar” still showcased the talents of a rich and diverse Lebanese creative scene at the Résidence des Pins. “Ambassador Foucher, a Lebanese at heart, insisted that the works be displayed as planned in this highly symbolic venue during the centennial year, even though, due to COVID-19, access was limited to the French president, his delegation, and invited guests,” adds Pascale Choueiri Saad.
Drawn, Painted, Sculpted…
The catalog showcases an array of styles and mediums, as each artist reinterpreted Lebanon’s iconic tree in their own way.
From Michel Abboud, Anachar Basbous, Dori Hitti, Sherine Chaya, Marie Munier, and Marc Dibeh—who created contemporary metal sculptures and folded paintings—to Elie Saab, who embroidered green cedar branches on a handbag, and Karoline Lang, who depicted the king of our forests in a regal, enveloping cape.
There are also classical representations by Ghazi Baker and Ginane Makki Bacho, alongside more daring interpretations from Hania Rayess and Roger Moukarzel (a photograph crossed with neon writing “Hands Off My Cedar”), as well as Joe Farah’s “Make Your Choice”—a brass pipe sculpture depicting two tree silhouettes, one majestic and the other crushed.
Some artists set the cedar in jewelry (Alia Mouzannar), embroidered or wove it into fabric (Rabih Keyrouz, Iwan Maktabi), while others transformed it into objects, furniture (Nada Debs’ stunning chair), ceramics, or lighting pieces.
Some transformed it into wearable symbols—badges of identity, seals of resilience, talismans against those who betray or destroy Lebanon. Others captured it as a striking emblem of Lebanese rootedness (Sandra Sahyoun, Raouf Rifaï) or as a subtle, poignant, yet luminous symbol of the country’s immortality (Najla Hobeich, Vicky Mokbel, Youssef Aoun).
It is, of course, impossible to list all the outstanding works in this virtual exhibition. However, thanks to the continued support of Ambassador Bruno Foucher and Lebanon’s Ambassador to France, Rami Adwan, a special edition is being planned at the Lebanese Embassy in Paris and Versailles. More details will be announced once the project is finalized…