LENS FOR HOPE: FUNDRAISING PHOTOGRAPHY SALE
FOR CHRIS
Seven international photographers donate their work for charity:
– Maher Attar
– Khodr Cherri
– Michel Soufia
– Wissam Khoury
– Chloe Khoury
– Alfred Moussa
– Mohammad Kaaki
MAHER ATTAR
” I have always dreamt of a unique place like ART DISTRICT where photography lovers and collectors can enjoy the gallery’s exhibitions and browse a collection of photography books from all over the world. I also incorporated a studio in the gallery where I can use analogue technique to produce memorable portraits and masterpieces. My goal is to enhance the status of fine art photography in Lebanon.”
Maher Attar combines his background as an award- winning photographer with his war-time photography and lifestyle portrait of world leaders and celebrities.
In 1984, Maher Attar started his career as a war photographer working in Lebanon. His debut as a press photographer was launched in 1985 by a moving photo taken during the war in Lebanon that made it to the front page of New York Times. Maher covered the Iran – Iraq war, the Gulf war, the Afghanistan Taliban war, Achille Lauro hijacking, and the American and French hostages crises in Lebanon among other conflicts and events in the Middle East.
KHODR CHERRI
“Photography, like any other art form, is not only about the aesthetic—it is also about telling a story: your story, my story, and our story.
A graduate of the Lebanese University in Beirut, Khodr began his photography career as a film technician and worked his way up to become a master printer. As production manager at the Nardulli lab, He worked with Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, Matthew Rolston, and Norman Jean Roy, Dan Winters, and Annie Leibovitz, among many other photographers.
He has also worked with photo editors at publications such as Time Magazine, National Geographic, and Vogue. He is an expert in digital retouching and a skilled curator of work for gallery and museum exhibitions.
MICHEL SOUFIA
“As a psychiatrist, I deal with people’s mood on a daily basis. This, combined with the mindfulness needed in street photography, led my eyes and consequently my lens to capture the essence of human existence: emotions. It’s with great pleasure that l offer you the feelings coming out of my 2 photographs titled: Ecstasy and Joy.”
Dr. Soufia is a renowned psychiatrist with a diverse background, including training in psychiatry, addictions, forensic medicine, and cognitive and behavioral therapy. He holds a Masters in basic science and research and is currently a lecturer at USEK and UL faculties of medicine. He has been awarded twice the “Encéphale” international congress award and has published numerous papers in international
journals. His interest in photography began at a young age, experimenting with an analogue camera during school, enhancing his skills and traveling to various countries to capture his passion.
WISSAM KHOURY
“When you show people documentary photography, true photography, in which they see the reflection of their own lives, they understand. They see it as part of their being. This is what is great about documentary photography.”
Wissam Khoury is a documentary photographer based in Lebanon. Having graduated from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Saint Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts and the Belarusian State Academy of Arts, Wissam’s skills and knowledge in the realm of photography span across various disciplines. Along with commercial photography, he is currently working on several long-term documentary projects. His work was exhibited in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. He is passionate about discovering the unseen locations in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia.
CHLOE KHOURY
“My artistic practice is inspired by all the possibilities that exist to engage creatively.
In my camera, I found freedom. The freedom to create, the freedom to meet others and interact with them before clicking the shutter, the freedom of translating and expressing my perspective of things using only images.”
Chloe, a Lebanese self-taught photographer currently freelancing in Lebanon, embarked on her creative journey from her youngest age, which later evolved into a profound focus on photography.
Returning to Lebanon in 2019 after 51 years in France, Chole discovered her passion for capturing stories through her lens. Holding an MA in Marketing and Sustainable Development, Chloe worked for over 5 years in communications with international organizations, emphasizing humanitarian and developmental projects.
Today, she continues her work in this field using her camera as a tool for change. Her work is driven by a desire to spotlight untold narratives and empower underrepresented voices and personal struggles.
In July 2022, she attended a photography masterclass at CAMERA Torino in partnership with the ICP, earning recognition for her project, “More than my Hair”.In August 2023, Chloe’s photographs were featured at the Beirut Art District’s “Through The Lens of Rising Photographers” exhibition.
ALFRED MOUSSA
“I always look forward to supporting photography and digitization projects, especially the ones that shed light on the history, civilization, and culture of Lebanon in addition to the ones related to women empowerment and the rights of persons with disabilities.”
Alfred Antoine Moussa, born in Batroun, North Lebanon in 1973, is a renowned photography
artist, lecturer, coach, and advisor. He works as a photography coordinator at the Library’s Digitization Center of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, a board member at NABU Museum,
and a collector of rare materials. Moussa has captured nature, architecture, and people from 15 countries and 120 cities across five exhibitions in continents. He has organized art Lebanon, Switzerland, France, the US, Germany, Mexico, UAE, and Qatar. Moussa has shared his photos with various ministries and institutions.
MOHAMMAD KAAKI
“My only rule in photography is abiding to no rules. Patience and alertness are key in finding the perfect shot, the decisive moment. The decisive moment is what makes a powerful image, an image that will find its way to the heart of the viewer.”
Mohammed Kaaki is a dedicated medical professional who studied and graduated from Medical School in Kharkov, Ukraine. Ever since discovering his deep passion for photography, it has
become a significant part of his life. Alongside capturing moments through the lens, he finds joy in playing the guitar, engaging in strategic chess matches, and exploring the great outdoors through camping adventures. With a diverse range of interests and a commitment to excellence in both medicine and his creative pursuits, he strives to lead a fulfilling and balanced life while making a positive impact in the world.
To learn more:
+961 81 68 00 69
artdistrictbeirut@gmail.com
You may also like
Between Music and Humanity: Dr. Tony Karam, an artist linking Lebanon with the world
With an unwavering commitment to music, Dr. Tony Karam, a specialist in gynecology, reflects on the
Actress Takla Chamoun honored at the Lebanese Film Festival in Canada
Montreal, Quebec (June 4, 2023): The 7th edition of the Lebanese Film Festival in Canada (LFFC) is a
ASTROPHYSICISTS UNCOVER SCIENTIFIC FACTS ABOUT THE BEIRUT EXPLOSION: Only 500 Tons of Ammonium Nitrate Detonated
In a groundbreaking scientific study published just two months after the explosion, Charles Aouad, a