In the heart of Beirut, a groundbreaking exhibition emerges, bearing the evocative title “hello, Beirut!”. This show draws inspiration from the ‘hello, World!’ program—a seminal piece of code revered as the quintessential introduction to computer science. As the inaugural endeavour of DiGen Art (Instagram) in Lebanon, this exhibition marks a significant milestone, heralding the establishment of the country’s first gallery dedicated exclusively to the promotion and celebration of digital art.
In “hello, Beirut!” lies the illustrious DiGen Collection (DGC)—a private art fund, meticulously curated, of digital artworks sourced from around the globe. With a discerning eye for innovation and artistic merit, the collection embodies a fusion of cultural heritage, historical narrative, aesthetic allure, and technical prowess. Spanning an extensive timeline that traverses from pioneering works of the 1970s to the cutting-edge creations of the present day, the exhibition offers a panoramic view of the evolution of digital art.
Among the innovators featured within the collection are revered figures such as Vera Molnár, whose pioneering contributions to computer art have left an indelible mark on the landscape of digital creativity. Equally noteworthy is the inclusion of Casey Reas, an avant-garde artist renowned for his groundbreaking explorations in creative coding. Alongside these esteemed trailblazers, “hello, Beirut!” unveils a vibrant array of emerging artists whose works push the boundaries of artistic expression, particularly in realms enabled by artificial intelligence, such as the world of “post-photography”.
Anchored by the visionary insights of Lebanese art experts Alex Rayes and Camille Hajjar, founders of “DiGen Art” gallery, this exhibition emerges as a beacon of innovation and creativity in the heart of the Middle East.
The exhibition is extremely immersive, visitors are invited to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, facilitated by an extensive library dedicated to all facets of digital art. Interactive installations ask audiences to engage with cutting-edge technologies, including a guidebook to the text-to-image AI software Midjourney—a testament to the founders’ commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of AI art creation.
As humans navigate the ever-expanding horizons of the increasingly digital world, “hello, Beirut!” emerges as a potent reflection of the zeitgeist—a mirror that prompts contemplation on the intricate interplay between humanity, creativity, and consciousness. In this pivotal moment in history, the gallery extends an invitation to art enthusiasts to join them in shaping the trajectory of this burgeoning art movement, as visitors are invited to help them collectively chart a course towards a future defined by innovation and imagination.
In addition to its immersive exhibitions, DiGen Art gallery actively participates in prominent art fairs like Art Dubai, further amplifying its reach and impact on the global stage. As part of its commitment to fostering regional talent, the gallery regularly conducts open calls for digital artists from the MENA region, providing a platform for emerging voices to gain recognition and exposure. Artists keen on showcasing their work are encouraged to stay updated on our social media channels for announcements regarding upcoming opportunities and events.
The exhibition ‘hello, Beirut!” will be on show until the end of March 2024.
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