Sanctuaries #47

With 2018 coming to a close, Selections Magazine looks back at the events of the year. Cultural Narratives, our growing collection of 20x20cm artworks collected from the MENA region was exhibited in Dubai at Alserkal Avenue last March. The 150 works were published in a very special catalogue created for the occasion. By October, the collection reached 350 works and was exhibited again at CAP Kuwait. Stay tuned for the upcoming shows in 2019 as Cultural Narratives continues expanding its collection.

Our travels have resulted in Selections creating a yearly pocket-sized travel guide that includes private and public art collections, museums and iconic architecture in 43 different cities around the world. In addition to that, our quarterly issues packed with content created by artists and collectors has made Selections a special medium to express thoughts and stories.

This winter issue is dedicated to mediums. It delves into the world of materials such as paint, clay, fauna and fire to shed light on the relationship between the artist and his or her weapon of choice. We discover artists in their most precious environments by visiting eight different artists in their work spaces. We are also fortunate enough to discuss the works of iconic artists who have passed with their children and grandchildren. Make sure to check out our Sanctuary Visits on www.selectionsarts.com.

This issue also includes articles on the exhibition held at the Oscar Niemeyer international fair in Tripoli entitled Cycles of Collapsing Progress, the 2018 Byblos Bank Photography awards won by Betty Khetchedjian, the Saradar Collection, another beautiful initiative curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath. We are excited to see them at the Venice Art Biennial 2019, curating the UAE pavilion. In the UAE, we celebrated the opening of the long-awaited Jameel Art Centre and its director Antonia Carver whose primary mission is to spread culture. Find a one-on-one interview with Jean Boghossian who took over an landmark building in Downtown Beirut - the old offices of L'Orient-Le Jour. Albert Boghossian shares a sophisticated and varied selection of works in the Curated By section, from refined jewellery created by the family to iconic architecture and what it means to him. Nazem Ahmad takes us deep into his home, to view his impressive collection of art and design.

Three very special books were published this year by friends of Selections Magazine. Our colleague from L'Orient-Le Jour, exceptional writer Carla Henoud wrote The Chariot Of Farah as a moving tribute to Beirut, Gregory Buchakjian released his seven-year project Abandoned Dwellings; and Nabil Anani published a creatively informative book, Palestine, Land and People.

We would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who made Selections glow this year, including our team and especially our readers. Wishing you a sparkling 2019!