Confessions in times of war: Basel Dalloul

Where are our cultural players in times of war, and what are they doing?

L'Agenda Culturel went to meet them, interview them and listen to their stories.

Basel Dalloul, founder of the Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation - DAF. Lives in Beirut.

How are you doing?

I’m doing well, all things considered. I’m in Beirut, living in a duplex apartment at White Tower, perched on the highest point of the city – what’s known as the "head of Beirut." From here, I get a sweeping view of the sea and the mountains, which, to be honest, offers a rare moment of peace amidst everything going on. The building itself is well-fortified, with 24/7 power, armed security, and constant video surveillance, which gives a sense of safety in a city where that’s hard to come by. But beyond these physical comforts, what really keeps me grounded is staying busy.

Lebanon is in turmoil, and you can feel it in the air, even here in my neighborhood. There’s an undeniable tension – political, social, economic – pressing in from all sides. It's not something you can ignore, even from the safety of a secure apartment. But I don’t sit around dwelling on it. I focus on my work at the Dalloul Art Foundation, and that gives me purpose. When you keep moving, when you have something meaningful to pour your energy into, it helps keep the anxiety at bay. That’s how I’m coping.

What is your daily life like in a time of war?

My daily life is actually quite busy and fulfilling. I have multiple roles to juggle among my fulltime jobs, including my work at the Dalloul Art Foundation, which always demands my attention. Staying occupied is key, not just for me but for everyone around me. I often find myself counseling friends who are in panic mode because of the surreal situation we live in. It’s tough, no doubt about it. People are anxious, angry, uncertain – understandably so. But keeping busy is one way to stay sane.

Every day, I carve out time to stay informed and connected with local security agencies, civil defense heads, and trusted charities. With over 1.4 million displaced people so far, I try to use my resources where they can make a difference, whether it’s helping distribute food, shelter, or medical aid. It’s part of staying engaged with what’s happening around me, and it helps ground me in the reality of what’s going on.

During the pandemic, I installed a fully equipped gym in one of the larger rooms I don’t use, which allows me to get my daily physical exercise without stepping outside. It’s a privilege to live in what I sometimes call a "golden cage," but staying physically active is something I can’t stress enough – for both mental and physical health.

And then there’s Tèmi, my stunning two-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, and her companion Lucky, the West Highland Terrier. Spending time with them each day is a reminder of the simpler, more grounding joys in life.

How do you continue your artistic activity?

I continue to read and research extensively about art from the Arab world. Despite the circumstances, we’ve managed to keep the Dalloul Art Foundation functioning and productive. While we’ve had to put all upcoming physical exhibitions on hold and we’re no longer receiving visitors at the galleries, our work hasn’t stopped. In fact, we’ve shifted all our team’s efforts towards enhancing what is now our most important platform – our website.

Dafbeirut.org has become the go-to reference for Arab art. It’s not just a beautiful site to browse, but also a robust research tool. We’re consistently producing and updating content across our various departments, from research to media production. The site features verified research material, articles, video presentations, and virtual tours of both current and past exhibitions. Our team has been resilient, continuing to work behind the scenes to make sure that the foundation remains a key player in the art world, even in these difficult times.

How do you see Lebanon’s future?

This is the million-dollar question. Right now, Lebanon is in the midst of an existential crisis. Our neighbor, Israel, continues to occupy Palestine and shows a blatant disregard for international law and human rights. The war crimes being committed with impunity are astounding and brutally monstrous, all while the world watches, paralyzed by its own impotence. It’s infuriating to witness, and there’s no sugar-coating the reality of what’s happening.

As for Lebanon, our road to recovery is going to be long, hard, and painful. There’s no way around that. But I still believe there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Lebanon is a resilient, beautiful country, and despite everything we’ve been through, I have faith that we will find our footing again. It won’t be easy, but we’ve faced adversity before, and we’ve survived. In my humble opinion, Lebanon will land on its feet.

To overcome the fear and anxiety, what do you suggest to our readers?

We all handle fear and anxiety differently. For me, staying informed is key. Fear often stems from the unknown, so being well-informed helps me put things into perspective and cuts through the confusion of rumors, fake news, and misinformation. It’s a way to feel more in control of a situation that can easily feel overwhelming.

As I mentioned earlier, physical exercise is another great stress reliever for me. Paired with a healthy diet and staying busy, it leaves little room for dwelling on all the uncertainties we’re facing. I also find comfort in reading, watching a good movie, or listening to a podcast. Music is always part of my day. There’s something grounding about it. Some people I know find solace in a glass of wine or a stiff drink. Personally, I prefer natural herbal alternatives that help clear the mind and relieve stress without the side effects.

At the end of the day, we each have our own ways of keeping balanced and mentally sane in the face of war. These are mine, and I suggest finding whatever works for you, whether it’s staying active, keeping informed, or simply finding moments of peace in your day.