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Rescuing The Heritage
In addition to the 190 killed and thousands injured, the Beirut explosion ravaged homes, closed businesses and destroyed vital infrastructure. Alas, it has also damaged irreplaceable and historical works of art.
Gaby Maamary, a university teacher and artist himself, is leading an initiative to save and restore Beirut’s works of art, free of charge. Under the guidance of Art Nub Beirut, an art school he founded with his partner Nayla Yared, the "Beirut Fine Art Heritage Rescue" offers free damage assessment, consultancy and restoration services. Assembling a team of professional volunteers from different backgrounds, the works of art will be restored regardless of the artist who created it or its value.
By bringing the artworks back to life, Gaby and Nayla wish to raise awareness of their national heritage amongst Lebanese.
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Gaby Maamary is the leader of the "Beirut Fine Art Heritage Rescue" initiative. An artist himself, his extensive research in history of art and conservation led him to become an expert in the field and eventually a university teacher.
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Lifting a canvas towards a light source reveals the extent of the damage.
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Artists and collectors from various backgrounds invite Gaby to assess the damage. Serge Brunst, an interior designer, asks for his help for this pastel drawing.
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Local painter Louma Rabah is given advice on how to take care of her torn canvas.
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Gaby shakes a canvas to make the remaining pieces of glass fall.
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Most harm was caused by windows shattered by the blast's sheer force.
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Dental tools are donated by a friend. Gaby uses these precise tools to work on paintings.
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On his way to assess the damages at another client's house.
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Gaby contemplates a 17th-century Dutch painting. Debris from the explosion punctured the canvas.
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Gaby brings damaged artworks back to Art Nub, the art school he founded, to restore them in a controlled environment.
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Gaby inspects the extremities of a Paul Guiragossian painting. By restoring these works of art, he hopes to raise awareness of Lebanon's national cultural heritage.
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Gaby meticulously glues back fragments of paint detached from the canvas.
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Documenting is an important part of the process. Every artwork is entered in a database to keep track of the progress as well as deepen our understanding of the artist and his work.
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Gaby contemplates a Sophie Yeramian painting.
