DUBAI: Galerie Salahin, a new art gallery opening in the popular Marais district of Paris, is the brainchild of French-Lebanese art entrepreneur Chloe Chidiac de Missolz, who at the age of 30 is realizing her dream of setting up her own platform in the art world.
De Missolz’s lifelong interest in art has led to studies in art history at the Ecole du Louvre, and work at Beirut’s Mark Hachem Gallery and at the Grand Palais in the French capital.
“It was always about art in this period,” she told Arab News.
Chloe Chidiac de Missolz at Galerie Salahin. Supplied
Opening a solo business during a pandemic is a risky move, but de Missolz believed the time was right. “I felt the need to start something new,” she said.
Her gallery, inspired by the name of her grandfather’s village, pays homage to her Lebanese roots. “I grew up in France, but I used to go to Lebanon with my family during the holidays to discover the country. I have a lot of strong memories,” she said.
But it was the art entrepreneur’s most recent visit to economically hit Lebanon in September that inspired her to showcase the works of young Lebanese contemporary artists.
Dia Mrad, SIOUFI II. Supplied
“It was very difficult to see the country’s situation,” she said. “I have a strong desire to show the Middle Eastern scene, especially Lebanon. I want to show a positive image of Beirut and Lebanon, which will be the main theme for this first exhibition.”
Galerie Salahin’s debut show, which ends on Oct. 10, will feature four artists associated with Lebanon.
Cha Gonzalez, Abandon. Supplied
Lebanese photographer Dia Mrad will present images of Beirut’s colorful and geometrical facades, while Cha Gonzalez, who was raised in Lebanon, explores the nightlife of Beirut through photography as well.
Paris-based ceramicist Tania Nasr draws inspiration from Lebanon’s mountainous landscape for her organic, porcelain bowls.
Photographer Pierre-Edouard Grandsire, born to a Lebanese mother and French father, captures black-and-white images of everyday life in the Lebanese capital.